Boo, an umbrella cockatoo, has made history by winning the Pet Partners Pet of the Year award, becoming the first avian creature to receive such an honour. At 41 years old, Boo’s journey from being a blind and neglected bird to an acclaimed therapy animal is nothing short of inspiring, and his recognition highlights the potential of birds in animal-assisted programmes.
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Boo’s human companion, Amy Hurst, expressed her overwhelming joy upon receiving the award, stating, “When we found out we won, oh my gosh, we were up all night.” For Hurst, this accolade is not merely a personal triumph; it serves as an opportunity to educate others about the vital role therapy birds can play in emotional and mental health support.
Hurst’s connection with birds began following her own breast cancer diagnosis, which prompted reflection on the life she wished to lead. During her treatment, she assisted a friend in raising baby birds, finding solace and motivation through these interactions. This experience inspired Hurst to pursue further education in animal-assisted therapy, a journey she began at the age of 58.
Boo’s arrival in Hurst’s life was a pivotal moment. Initially, he was in poor health due to severe mistreatment, having been blind for 11 years and suffering from substantial feather loss and muscle atrophy. “He was just horrible looking,” Hurst recalls, describing Boo’s condition upon their first meeting. Despite his struggles, Boo formed an immediate bond with Hurst, inspiring her to act on their shared narrative of resilience.
After taking Boo in, Hurst became determined to restore the cockatoo’s health through a pioneering surgical procedure that promised to regain his sight. Following the surgery, Boo could see, forging an even deeper connection with Hurst and those around him. “He saw us immediately. It worked,” Hurst proudly recounts, illustrating the remarkable turning point in Boo’s life.
Before joining Hurst, Boo had endured significant trauma, including a history of illegal smuggling and a year in confinement where he was misunderstood as aggressive. Even after overcoming these adversities, Boo exhibited a remarkable capacity for connection and empathy, traits that Hurst admired. “It’s just like our stories were intertwined,” she said, emphasising their shared experiences of survival.
In 2025, after successfully passing the rigorous evaluations required by Pet Partners, Boo was officially recognised as a therapy animal, achieving the highest marks possible. Since then, he has visited a range of facilities, including schools, therapy programmes, hospitals, and senior living communities, bringing joy and comfort to individuals in need. “We have witnessed remarkable moments of connection—children finding confidence, seniors rediscovering joy,” Hurst explained, celebrating the profound impact Boo has had in their lives.
Boo’s ability to sense and respond to human emotions is particularly remarkable. Hurst notes that he can adapt his behaviour depending on the individual’s needs, whether calming a distressed child or engaging with a senior during rehabilitation. “I have watched children who are nonverbal say Boo,” she says, highlighting his unique capabilities as a therapy bird.
Inspired by Boo’s success and the transformative connections they have fostered, Hurst established the Prism Bird Program. This initiative aims to pair birds with neurodivergent children and individuals experiencing emotional challenges, emphasising the multifaceted benefits that birds can offer as companions. Hurst believes that birds possess a unique intelligence and emotional awareness that make them exceptional therapy partners.
Through Boo’s recent accolades and ongoing work, Hurst hopes to showcase the potential of birds in therapy settings, advocating for greater recognition of their capabilities as supportive creatures. “Boo’s story, my story, and the stories of the families transformed through our programme have shown that healing can come from unexpected places,” she concluded, stressing that their aim is not to replace conventional therapy but to broaden its horizons.
Boo’s journey stands as a testament to resilience, demonstrating that profound healing and connection can emerge from even the most challenging beginnings. His recognition as Pet Partners Pet of the Year may inspire a new appreciation for birds as vital contributors in the realm of animal-assisted intervention.