She's known as "mom" to many.
"I don't know what peace and quiet is anymore," said Jo Lease. "I can't wake up in the morning and have a cup of coffee without these guys screaming, because they know mommy came down the steps and she's wide awake. It's nonstop."
Jo's on the go, parenting parakeets to parrots. She provides shelter and a new life for birds burdened with a past. Think of Jo as the "big bird" of Lair of Dragons Bird Rescue, a safe haven she started six years ago.
Soon, many of the birds will be ready for adoption, and the family has strict requirements because it takes a lot to raise one of these guys. They need a lot of love and attention, a proper diet and plenty of exercise to thrive. And like people, they can be picky.
"Out of 50 applications, maybe only two will qualify for a certain bird," said Jo. "And that's because I get to know them, their likes and dislikes - women, children, dogs, cats."
Jo will spend her life keeping her brainy birds happy.
"(They're) absolutely smart," said Jo.
And she'll continue to nurture them until they say "hello" to their new families.
abc27 News to leave comments on news stories.