Charlie Bird of Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana's favorite bike-riding parrot

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Charlie Bird Passes Away, 10/4/23

We are heartbroken to share the news that our beloved Charlie Bird passed away at age 41 on the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Please see the Bloomingtonian article for more information and a beautiful photo gallery from Nick Bauer.

We ask that you respect Jojo’s privacy at this difficult time.

Share Your Memories

If you would like to share stories about Charlie or send photos you have taken with Charlie for JoJo to see, please send those to charliebirdphotos@gmail.com and know that it will be greatly appreciated. All of the stories and photos will be put together for JoJo to remember the positive impact of Charlie Bird of Bloomington.

Donations

If anyone feels so inclined, donations can be made to The Warehouse in Charlie Bird’s memory. Jojo, a retired carpenter, works at The Warehouse weekly to keep the space in good working order for the community, and Charlie was always welcome and taken care of while there: https://btownwarehouse.networkforgood.com/.../74735-donate

Charlie's passing might be difficult news to share with children, but we hope this video from PBS will be helpful.

About Charlie

Have you seen Charlie Bird? He's hard to miss, riding on the back of a bicycle all around Bloomington.

Charlie is a green-winged macaw, a type of parrot native to northern and central South America.  He was hatched in 1983 and could live to 80 years of age or more.

Charlie met Jojo Porowski in 2004 after his previous owner passed away. Charlie was distraught and had plucked almost all of his feathers out - something many birds don't recover from. But after a year with Jojo and socialization in the Bloomington community, Charlie's feathers came back completely. He had a health crisis in 2018 and now requires long-term medical care (for more, read "Charlie's Health" below).

Charlie doesn't fly much, possibly because he spent the first 20 years of his life in a cage. But today, Charlie gets to live large by riding on the back of Jojo's bicycle, going hiking and boating, and meeting lots of fans all around Bloomington.

Filmed and produced by Nick Bauer in Bloomington, Indiana. 

Charlie Bird Loves Bloomington by Sarah Milward,  illustrated by Winnie King 

Charlie Bird Loves Bloomington

A children's book fundraiser for Charlie's medical care

Charlie is the star of a children's book, Charlie Bird Loves Bloomington, a picture book that follows Charlie as he enjoys his favorite activities in Bloomington, from bike riding to paddleboarding, visiting the farmers' markets, and even sledding! Proceeds from the book go to Charlie's care and medical needs.

How do I get a book?

Charlie Bird  Stuff!

Show your love for everyone's favorite bike-riding parrot with your own Charlie Bird Loves Bloomington hats, shirts, stickers, prints, and more from Redbubble! 

Charlie's Health

In 2018, Charlie had a health crisis. He nearly died from an avian virus that affects his central nervous system. With treatment from an avian veterinary specialist, including antibiotic and antiviral injections (some directly to his brain), he survived and is thriving! His treatment and recovery would not have been possible without the generous support of the Bloomington community.

However, Charlie requires daily medication and regular visits to the specialist to keep him healthy. He'll need medical care for his condition for the rest of his life, with total costs estimated at over $25,000.

You can help fund Charlie's medical care by purchasing his children's book, Charlie Bird Loves Bloomington, some cool Charlie stuff on Redbubble, or make a donation - just click the button below:

Jojo, Charlie's Best Friend

Jojo Porowski, Charlie's best friend and chauffeur, is a retired, part-time carpenter and native Hoosier. He's an avid cyclist, Hoosiers basketball fan, and outdoorsman. He's pedaled thousands of miles with Charlie on his bike and has loved every one.  You can contact Jojo by email. 

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