Zazu's life is in our Hands - Let's bring Zazu home
Zazu's life is in our Hands - Let's bring Zazu home
The Issue
Zazu is an African Grey parrot who has been with his human, Crystle Pachos, since 2019.
In February 2020, Zazu went missing. For 14 heartbreaking months, Crystle searched tirelessly for him. Against all odds, they were reunited — a moment so powerful it was published in the Lowvelder newspaper and captured on video for the world to see.
African Greys are among the most intelligent and emotionally complex birds on earth. They bond for life with their chosen human — and breaking that bond causes psychological harm comparable to grief and trauma in humans.
Despite undeniable proof of their bond, Zazu has been taken away by court order due to a legal dispute over “ownership” — a matter completely unrelated to his welfare or best interests. He is now being kept outdoors with other parrots and dogs - far from the human he trusts and loves and there is a significant risk that the situation could result in injury, loss, or death.
This arrangement raises serious concerns about the bird’s safety and wellbeing.
Following my own research, I would like to highlight the following facts regarding African Grey parrots and their cohabitation with dogs:
Predator/Prey Instincts: Dogs, even when well-trained, are natural predators. A bird's movement, particularly outdoors, can easily trigger predatory instincts.
Dog Saliva Risks: Dog saliva contains bacteria that can be harmful—even fatal—to parrots upon contact.
Risk of Injury: Due to the significant size and strength difference, even seemingly playful interactions may result in severe injuries to the bird.
Unpredictable Behaviour: Dogs may display unexpected reactions, even under supervision.
Outdoor Hazards: Outdoor living also exposes birds to numerous risks, including temperature extremes, exposure to predators such as hawks, and access to potentially toxic substances.
Best practices strongly recommend that African Grey parrots be housed in secure indoor environments, physically separated from dogs, and only allowed to interact under strict supervision—if at all.
The SPCA has confirmed there are “no contraventions” under the outdated Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, which means they cannot act — even though emotional and psychological suffering is being ignored.
Animal law in South Africa must evolve to protect emotional welfare, not just basic physical needs like food, water, and shelter
We demand:
1. That Zazu be returned to Crystle Pachos, his bonded human, in the best interest of his welfare.
2. That the NSPCA and relevant authorities recognise and act upon emotional and psychological harm in cases involving intelligent animals.
3. That Parliament updates the Animals Protection Act to reflect modern understanding of animal welfare.
Watch the videos and judge for yourself:
The Final Hour with Zazu – Crystle says goodbye before Zazu is taken away: Watch here : https://youtube.com/shorts/VGy-NYUkF8U?si=oegD81fKRSo5eseg
Veterinary Behavioural Assessment – Zazu’s reaction to both parties: Watch here : https://youtube.com/shorts/jo8gBcAqWL8?si=k4bXWJOP3qAaGeGu
Zazu in His New Home – See the change in his behaviour - this is not Zippy as the other party believe: Watch here https://youtube.com/shorts/MGK1vsHQ2zw?si=gouj25wWHoa8xfNH
Sign this petition to help bring Zazu home and push for animal welfare laws that protect emotional bonds, not just physical survival.
Every signature counts — your voice can help change Zazu’s life and set a precedent for all animals in South Africa.
#BringZazuHome #AnimalWelfare #JusticeForZazu #SPCASouthAfrica #AfricanGreyParrot #EmotionalWelfareMatters #ParrotRights
Newspaper article :
Latest news paper article :
1,022
The Issue
Zazu is an African Grey parrot who has been with his human, Crystle Pachos, since 2019.
In February 2020, Zazu went missing. For 14 heartbreaking months, Crystle searched tirelessly for him. Against all odds, they were reunited — a moment so powerful it was published in the Lowvelder newspaper and captured on video for the world to see.
African Greys are among the most intelligent and emotionally complex birds on earth. They bond for life with their chosen human — and breaking that bond causes psychological harm comparable to grief and trauma in humans.
Despite undeniable proof of their bond, Zazu has been taken away by court order due to a legal dispute over “ownership” — a matter completely unrelated to his welfare or best interests. He is now being kept outdoors with other parrots and dogs - far from the human he trusts and loves and there is a significant risk that the situation could result in injury, loss, or death.
This arrangement raises serious concerns about the bird’s safety and wellbeing.
Following my own research, I would like to highlight the following facts regarding African Grey parrots and their cohabitation with dogs:
Predator/Prey Instincts: Dogs, even when well-trained, are natural predators. A bird's movement, particularly outdoors, can easily trigger predatory instincts.
Dog Saliva Risks: Dog saliva contains bacteria that can be harmful—even fatal—to parrots upon contact.
Risk of Injury: Due to the significant size and strength difference, even seemingly playful interactions may result in severe injuries to the bird.
Unpredictable Behaviour: Dogs may display unexpected reactions, even under supervision.
Outdoor Hazards: Outdoor living also exposes birds to numerous risks, including temperature extremes, exposure to predators such as hawks, and access to potentially toxic substances.
Best practices strongly recommend that African Grey parrots be housed in secure indoor environments, physically separated from dogs, and only allowed to interact under strict supervision—if at all.
The SPCA has confirmed there are “no contraventions” under the outdated Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, which means they cannot act — even though emotional and psychological suffering is being ignored.
Animal law in South Africa must evolve to protect emotional welfare, not just basic physical needs like food, water, and shelter
We demand:
1. That Zazu be returned to Crystle Pachos, his bonded human, in the best interest of his welfare.
2. That the NSPCA and relevant authorities recognise and act upon emotional and psychological harm in cases involving intelligent animals.
3. That Parliament updates the Animals Protection Act to reflect modern understanding of animal welfare.
Watch the videos and judge for yourself:
The Final Hour with Zazu – Crystle says goodbye before Zazu is taken away: Watch here : https://youtube.com/shorts/VGy-NYUkF8U?si=oegD81fKRSo5eseg
Veterinary Behavioural Assessment – Zazu’s reaction to both parties: Watch here : https://youtube.com/shorts/jo8gBcAqWL8?si=k4bXWJOP3qAaGeGu
Zazu in His New Home – See the change in his behaviour - this is not Zippy as the other party believe: Watch here https://youtube.com/shorts/MGK1vsHQ2zw?si=gouj25wWHoa8xfNH
Sign this petition to help bring Zazu home and push for animal welfare laws that protect emotional bonds, not just physical survival.
Every signature counts — your voice can help change Zazu’s life and set a precedent for all animals in South Africa.
#BringZazuHome #AnimalWelfare #JusticeForZazu #SPCASouthAfrica #AfricanGreyParrot #EmotionalWelfareMatters #ParrotRights
Newspaper article :
Latest news paper article :
1,022
Petition created on August 12, 2025