Catawba Science Center hosts parrot rescue for STEM career showcase

Catawba Science Center put Kiki’s Legacy Parrot Rescue Foundation on the floor of its North Lobby for a 1:30 p.m. SPARK appearance, turning a public science program into a live showcase with Amiga, Sarah and Teddy. The event was listed as “SPARK- A STEM Career Showcase (Parrot Pals),” making the parrots part of the science center’s career outreach rather than a drop-in animal visit.

The center promoted the program with the line, “Today’s the day!” and said Amiga was ready to welcome “some very special guests” from Kiki’s Legacy for an “unforgettable SPARK event.” Catawba Science Center says it is a 35,000-square-foot science and technology museum with hands-on exhibits and animal habitats, and its Partners in Science program brings curriculum-aligned STEM experiences to more than 35,000 students each year. In that setting, the parrots became a visible part of a larger lesson in biology, animal care and the work behind rescue.

Kiki’s Legacy fits that role closely. The Hickory, North Carolina nonprofit identifies itself as a 501(c)(3) and says it provides adoptions, surrenders, boarding, guidance and sanctuary for parrots. Its own materials say it works with large and small parrots, including birds with special needs, health issues and behavioral issues, giving the SPARK crowd a concrete look at the kind of cases rescue work can involve.

The event also drew a public thank-you from the science center. In a July 15, 2025 post, Catawba Science Center thanked Parrot Pals for an “incredible SPARK event” and said it was grateful for support from local animal shelters. That kind of visible partnership is what made the North Lobby appearance matter: Sarah and Teddy were not there just to charm a crowd, they were there to show how rescue work, science learning and community outreach can share the same stage.