Girl, 12, adopts disabled parrot who can’t fly, she refused to give up hope

A social-media video showing a 12‑year‑old girl helping her disabled parrot experience what flying feels like has gone viral, racking up over 6.1 million views.

The TikTok footage, shared by her mom Alex, 33, (@gaspers1115) shows her daughter Kambre running outside while holding her macaw, Scooter. As the girl runs, the bird can be seen enthusiastically flapping her wings, though she does not take flight.

Text layered over the video reads, “You’re disabled and can’t fly, but a little girl made it her mission to give you the best life,” a message that resonated with viewers and earned over 1.4 million likes.

Alex, who is from West Virginia, told Newsweek: “Scooter was born disabled, so she doesn’t know any different.”

‘They’re Always Together’

Kambre and Scooter share a close bond, with Alex describing them as “best friends.”

Alex explained that the family found the macaw for sale on Facebook while they were originally searching for a bird cage. Since then, Kambre has made it a daily habit to help Scooter move and spread her wings.

“Kambre and Scooter run together most days, even if it’s just running around inside so she can spread her wings,” Alex said. “When it’s nice outside, Kambre takes her outside to play and fly.”

Scooter’s preference for Kambre is clear, Alex added, saying the macaw chooses her daughter’s company above all others.

The video sparked an emotional response from viewers, many of whom praised both Kambre and her bond with Scooter.

One user wrote: “The fact he’s still trying to fly shows he never forgot about it either great job raising that one ma.”

Another commented: “She’s the wind beneath his wings.”

A third viewer shared a personal connection, writing: “I love this, my blue and gold can’t fly either, she’s got the muscle to do so but just wont take off, she also wouldn’t let me hold her like this, the bond and trust that bird has in her is incredible.”

Alex replied in the comments: “Scooter is seriously the absolute sweetest bird. My daughter is definitely her person. She wants to be held and cuddled basically all day.”

Caring for a Macaw

Experts at PetMD say macaws are generally best suited for experienced bird parents or those fully prepared to meet the needs of such a large, intelligent parrot. The outlet also notes that macaws typically live between 30 and 50 years, making them a long‑term commitment.

Macaws are known for their bold personalities and powerful voices, and even smaller varieties carry a strong presence. While they may seem intimidating at first, PetMD experts say macaws can be affectionate and sensitive companions when given proper care and guidance.

The outlet also notes that macaws can be loud and are not ideal pets for people living in close quarters, such as apartments or condos with shared walls.

In the wild, macaws live in small, social flocks, meaning pet macaws need regular interaction and should feel like a valued member of the household. Without enough attention, boredom and inattention can lead to behavioral issues, including excessive vocalizations, aggression and feather‑plucking.

For Scooter, that companionship comes from Kambre—whose daily runs ensure her feathered best friend still gets to feel the joy of spreading her wings.