Naked Bird Wows Crowd At Broward Humane Society

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ― "Fred" the Cockatoo, who played alongside actor Robert Blake in "Baretta" is by far one of the most recognizable and famous feathered friends around. Now however, there's a South Florida Cockatoo that may give "Fred" a run for his money.

Her name is "Oscar." Yes, she has a boy's name but that's not the only unique thing about her. She spends her days naked. She's a naked Cockatoo who doesn't have any feathers and who always draws a crowd as the unofficial mascot of the Broward County Humane Society.

Cherie Wachter, Director of Marketing at the Broward County Humane Society told CBS4.COM that the shelter received Oscar from the Wildlife Care Center. She was sick, they said, with a viral infection called 'beak and feather disease' and probably only had about six months to live. That was ten years ago.

[Read on...] Be sure to watch the videos!!! Beauty is definitely within, and she's just precious. Bless her little soul.

This has to be the best story I have read in a long time. I am so happy they have given her a good life and the attention she so deserves. The videos just melt my heart.

I am going to send some toys to Oscar.

What a sweet bird - obviously very special.

What a tragedy that such a beautiful bird is so naked - sorry but I really found it hard to watch her without wishing she had her feathers. I want to make her outfits that hint at her potential as a Too - am I wrong?

I guess her role as a survivor/Ambassador of this terrible disease makes her very special indeed. She seemed very content with her lot & very healthy - a little imp, sneaking across the floor like that! I guess she just grips your heart & holds on.

I jut want to get in the car and drive cross state to see this little beauty.

Ruby says "Yes! Let's send Oscar a toy too!!!!"

What a sweetie, bless her little naked butt!

There is something very poignant about this.

Oh how precious. This was so sweet.

What an adorable video...such a happy bird for having such a terrible disease. Makes me want to head down there and put her in a sock buddy!

i just saw the clip on our local news channel. she seems content with her lot in live at this time. i would be interested in HOW she has lived so long with this disease and what type of treatments she has received. it could be good for others to know