I grew up knowing this animal simply as “perico”. As a child in Colima Mexico, it seemed like everyone had one…I’d hear them in the distance, see them in front porches, and occasionally at fruit markets. When my family immigrated from Mexico to Southern California, I always associated pericos with home, and at the age of 9 I was given my own.

Much like me, she was sassy and dramatic. We became best friends. At some point my parents “borrowed” a male from a friend? He was awkward and never quite fit in with us, but Chuchita tolerated him and that’s why he’s included in my childhood photos and drawings.

Chuchita got sick and died around my 14th birthday. It was sudden and I will never forget it. I have read alot about birds since then. I’ve seen so many bird documentaries. They shouldn’t be pets. It’s sad to deprive them of the community and freedom they have in the wild. Parrots are extremely emotionally intelligent and social creatures who bond with one mate for life. Much like us, when left alone they will go crazy from loneliness.

I’ve never worked with Tinkercad before, and after finishing this project I feel much more confident with 3D printing software. Since 3D printers are becoming increasingly popular in high school art programs, I am really glad I have a project like this to include in my teaching portfolio. I included a hole on each wing and tail of the birds to be able to suspend them from the roof, and display them in flight like shown in the images.