This adorable featherless bird has won the hearts of thousands after a virus made her bald.
The tiny lovebird Rhea suffers from Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), which made all her feathers fall out.
She was rescued in July by Back Bay Veterinary Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts, and has now been adopted by Isabella Eisenmann, who set up an Instagram account for Rhea which has shot her to super stardom.
The tiny lovebird Rhea suffers from Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), which made all her feathers fall out
This adorable featherless bird has won the hearts of thousands after a virus made her bald
She was rescued in July by Back Bay Veterinary Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts, and has now been adopted by Isabella Eisenmann, who set up an Instagram account for Rhea which has shot her to super stardom
Isabella, 23, a graphic designer, said: ‘At the beginning I got a lot of negative comments regarding her physical appearance’
The vets shared her story on Facebook – and 23-year-old Isabella Eisenmann fell in love with Rhea, and decided to adopt the tiny featherless bird
After she set up an Instagram account for her new pet it quickly went viral, and shes had besotted bird lovers from around the world reach out and send Rhea hand-knitted jumpers to keep her warm
Isabella, 23, a graphic designer, said: ‘At the beginning I got a lot of negative comments regarding her physical appearance.
‘I didn’t really care, and wanted to make people understand that different is beautiful.
‘I really wanted people to learn to accept her, and most importantly I wanted those who are different to accept themselves, just like Rhea accepts and loves herself.
‘I have been reached out to by many people from all over the world who have birds with PBFD – reading their stories and knowing there are other people out there that also gave birdies a second chance gives me hope.
‘I’ve also received many beautiful sweaters for Rhea to keep her warm – because she has no feathers she gets cold, so keeping my apartment really warm is very important and covering her cage with a thick blanket every night is a must.’
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Animal lover Isabella, who also has a pet dog, said she fell in love with unusual bird Rhea, who is two-and-a-half years old and just two inches tall, from the moment she saw her – despite her rare illness
Isabella, pictured with Rhea, said: ‘I’ve also received many beautiful sweaters for Rhea to keep her warm – because she has no feathers she gets cold, so keeping my apartment really warm is very important and covering her cage with a thick blanket every night is a must.’
‘I am just thankful to every person who has put their time and effort into making Rhea’s life better – the letters, messages, sweaters and toys I receive give me hope that there are great people everywhere,’ said Isabella
Animal lover Isabella, who also has a pet dog, said she fell in love with unusual bird Rhea, who is two-and-a-half years old and just two inches tall, from the moment she saw her – despite her rare illness.
She said: ‘The day I got her was the best day ever.
Rhea was rescued in July by Back Bay Veterinary Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts
‘PBFD attacks the feather follicles, the beak and claw matrices of the bird, causing progressive feather, claw and beak malformation and necrosis.
‘Rhea’s version of the disease is fairly mild for now – she has no issues with her beak or claws, yet.
‘The other thing about her is that she can’t fly, but she’s so stubborn and keeps trying – she’s not afraid of anything.
‘Her bubbly attitude and happiness for life amazes me and everybody who meets her – it’s like she has no idea she’s sick.
‘She’s definitely a role model.
‘I’m an animal lover at heart and soul, so when I adopted Rhea my friends and family weren’t surprised.
‘Unfortunately there is no cure or treatment available for this disease, so there’s nothing I can give Rhea to make her better.
‘I am just thankful to every person who has put their time and effort into making Rhea’s life better – the letters, messages, sweaters and toys I receive give me hope that there are great people everywhere.’