Ajeeb, a 41-year-old skilled parrot trainer from India, has overcome his initial fear of birds and is now an integral part of a team of around 30 members from diverse backgrounds in the UAE. His journey began with an extreme fear of birds during his childhood, but he conquered it during college by interacting with a friend’s parrot. Since then, he has been hooked on these adorable creatures, particularly excelling in bird training and recall techniques like saying ‘hello’ or mimicking laughs.
The team, known as the Happiness Team for Talking Birds, was founded in 2016 by Salem Al Asli and aims to showcase the country’s avian expertise on global stages. They educate the public on bird breeding techniques and care, while also delighting audiences with stunning parrot shows and free flight demonstrations. Members like Khalifa Al Musafiri and Abdulrahman Al-Bahri have specialized in training birds like macaws and Blue and Gold Macaws under the mentorship of the team, emphasizing the importance of time, emotional commitment, and responsible ownership in avian care.
Training durations vary based on the bird’s age and type, typically ranging from one to two months for initial flight training of a Macaw. Abdulrahman stressed on the importance of scientific insights and responsible ownership, highlighting that raising parrots requires time, patience, study, and financial consideration. The team members also support and guide the next generation of enthusiasts like 20-year-old Hamad Al-Bahri, who found inspiration in the Happiness Team for Talking Birds on Instagram, leading to his deepening fascination with avian care and training.
Asma Mohammed, another member of the team, was drawn to birds’ colors and the art of free flight, which led her to train various species under the guidance of the team. She emphasizes the team’s focus on nutrition, training techniques, and community support, making aviculture accessible and enriching for all enthusiasts. With a collective passion for birds and a commitment to showcasing the country’s avian expertise, the Happiness Team for Talking Birds continues to grow and inspire bird enthusiasts in the UAE and beyond.
