Ohio woman fights to reclaim parrot after father allegedly told shelter she died

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A Cleveland woman is in a battle to reunite with her beloved parrot of 10 years after she says her own family gave the bird away to the Cleveland Animal Protective League (APL) while she was hospitalized.

Nora Melton, known online as Nora the Explorer, says her Eclectus parrot, Simon, has been her constant companion and even the mascot for her business for years.

She described a deep emotional bond with Simon, whom she received as a gift in 2017.

Melton said that after a recent difficult breakup and feeling overwhelmed, she stayed with her parents.

Following an argument with her family and recognizing a need to focus on her mental health, she sought help at a hospital.

Upon her release, she discovered 3 of her exotic pets had been rehomed, but Simon was missing.

Melton claims she later learned from another relative that someone had taken Simon to the Cleveland APL and allegedly told them that his owner had died.

Melton went to the APL last Wednesday, only to find that Simon had already been transferred to Parrot Hope Rescue in Mantua, Ohio.

She says her attempts to contact the rescue have been largely unsuccessful, receiving only a text message stating that the bird had been rehomed and there was nothing she could do.

The Cleveland APL confirmed to 19 News that Simon was surrendered by an individual who claimed his owner was deceased and who signed legal documents asserting authority over the alleged deceased owner.

Parrot Hope Rescue also responded to 19 News, stating they considered Simon abandoned and that they had placed him with a loving family, adding they could not entertain claims of prior ownership.

Despite this, Melton is pleading for Simon’s return, expressing fear that her decision to prioritize her well-being has led to a permanent separation from her cherished companion.

“He is more to me than anything and anyone right now,” Melton told 19 News. “If I don’t get him back, I don’t know how to feel…”

Melton is hoping that Parrot Hope Rescue will reconsider their decision and allow for a reunion.

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