A woman in Singapore was left devastated after her five-week-old African Grey Parrot, Gru, died following a grooming session at her home in Toa Payoh on the evening of 17 September. The parrot began to wail and urinate blood shortly after the session. Despite rushing Gru to the vet, the bird was already stiff upon arrival. The groomers initially denied responsibility, attributing the death to the food fed by the owner, Ms Huang Wei. However, they later admitted to mishandling after being confronted with the vet’s autopsy report, which cited their actions as the primary cause of Gru’s death.
## Background
Ms Huang Wei, 38, had kept Gru and another green parrot to provide companionship for her autistic child. She engaged two groomers, recommended by an acquaintance, to trim the birds’ beaks and nails. The groomers were scheduled to visit her home at around 6 pm on 17 September, and she agreed to pay S$60 for their services.
## Both parrots appeared stressed during grooming session
During the grooming session, Ms Huang reported hearing Gru scream in pain multiple times. Despite her concerns, the groomers assured her that this was normal. The green parrot, kept in a cage on the enclosed balcony of her 26th-floor unit, also appeared stressed. The bird attempted to escape by squeezing through the narrow guardrails and glided down from the 26th floor. Ms Huang put up notices and sought help online to locate the lost parrot, eventually reuniting with it three days later when a neighbour found it on a tree on the ground floor.
## Gru passed away
After the groomers left, Gru attempted to fly to Ms Huang’s head but soon lost strength, fell to the floor, and began urinating blood. Horrified, Ms Huang and her husband rushed Gru to the vet by taxi, only to learn that the bird had already passed away. They have since cremated Gru and kept its ashes in an urn.
## Groomers ‘denied responsibility at first’
Initially, the groomers denied any responsibility, claiming Gru’s death was due to the food Ms Huang fed it. However, the vet’s autopsy report revealed that Gru’s death was caused by improper handling during the grooming session, which led to severe stress and muscle tissue damage. Only after Ms Huang mentioned the autopsy report did the groomers admit their oversight and offer compensation. Ms Huang believes she is entitled to compensation and highlighted the chaotic state of the local pet parrot market, where many untrained individuals offer grooming services.
## Groomers ‘not professionally trained’
Ms Huang later discovered that the groomers’ company was not registered and had only been in business for a year, despite claims of having years of experience. She has lodged a police report and hopes her experience will remind other pet owners to engage only certified groomers.
## Groomers ‘deeply apologise’ to Huang
When approached by Shin Min Daily News, the groomers did not confirm whether their company was registered but expressed deep apologies for the incident and willingness to compensate Ms Huang. They declined to comment further, stating that they were awaiting her response.
