Home » May 5 Highlights: From Battles to Bird Sanctuary Tales

📜 May 5 in History: A Day of Bold Moments

May 5 has long been a day rich in history and reflection. In this collection of May 5 history and sanctuary stories, we explore the powerful moments that shaped the world-and the unforgettable memories we’ve made at Ruffled Feathers Parrot Sanctuary over the years.
In 1862, the Mexican army stood their ground at the Battle of Puebla, defeating Napoleon III’s larger, better-equipped French forces. That unexpected victory forged the legacy of Cinco de Mayo-a celebration that fits perfectly into our collection of May 5 stories honoring resilience in every form.

Battle of Puebla Historical Artwork - RFPSInc

In 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American in space, climbing 116 miles above Earth aboard Freedom 7. His 15-minute mission sparked a space race that redefined exploration.

Spacecraft Over Earth – RFPSInc

And in 2002, Spider-Man swung into theaters, reminding us that great power-and great mischief-can come from unexpected places. Around here, that sounds suspiciously like Kiki. 🦜💥

Superhero Cockatoo on Rooftop

🚀 From Space Flights to Feathers: Sanctuary Stories Over the Years

At Ruffled Feathers, May 5th has brought its own blend of heart, humor, and surprise over the years.
At 11 PM, just as most folks were winding down from the festivities, a little gosling wandered through an office building’s automatic doors-as if he had a meeting scheduled with the copy machine.
Brad rescued him just past 11 PM on Derby night, still in boots and covered in Derby dust.

Lost Gosling in Office Hallway - RFPSInc

💚 Mischief, Gratitude, and the Heart of the Flock

Kiki posed like a supermodel during Derby Week one year. Then, in classic Kiki fashion, he snatched Tara’s hair clip in a bold daylight robbery.
No apologies were offered. 😎🦜✨

Kiki the Moluccan Cockatoo Holding Scissors – RFPSInc

Raylin once watched the Derby with full concentration. Of course, he hoped his horse would win big—he had his eye on a luxury bird swing. 🐎🦜
We’ve also seen the magic of support unfold on this date—like the year we received a wave of donations for our senior cockatoos: perches, toys, and heartfelt messages that reminded us just how strong this flock truly is. 💚

Ray Ray the Triton Cockatoo Watching the Kentucky Derby – RFPSInc

We’ve also seen the magic of support unfold on this date—like the year we received a wave of donations for our elderly cockatoos: perches, toys, and messages that reminded us just how strong this flock truly is. 💚
Skittles once lived in a makeshift home. Now, he revels in the luxury of a clean cage, filled with toys and gentle sunlight. ☀️🦜

Skittle the Conure Gets a New Cage – RFPSInc

Brad carefully mirrored the layout so Skittles could settle in without skipping a beat.
Chase, on the other hand, reengineered the sanctuary’s layout by chewing a hole through the bird room door. Naturally, he was quite proud of the results.
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” he seemed to say—channeling Dr. Seuss with every chomp. 😆🦜.

Chase the African Grey Chews Through Door

Stormy fluffed up and stomped around like an angry marshmallow. After all, 40° is way too cold for May.
We agreed-it was an outrage. Spring should feel like spring. 🌸🦜❄️.

Chase the African Grey in the Cold – RFPSInc Winter Safety

Across the decades, May 5 has been a day of bold moves, breakthroughs, and healing—much like the work we do here every day. 💚🕊️.

💡 1809 – Mary Kies becomes the first woman to receive a U.S. patent.

We’re reminded that small ideas, like a better perch design or enrichment toy, can bring huge comfort to the birds in our care. 💚🦜.

🌍 1949 – The Council of Europe is established.

Crowd of people holding hands in a circle surrounded by European flags, symbolizing global unity, peace, and cooperation among nations.

This effort to unify post-war Europe echoes our own belief that cooperation-whether among countries or cockatoos-builds peace, safety, and a stronger future. 🕊️💚

🩺 1963 – The first liver transplant is performed.

A pioneering act of medical courage. It reminds us that every life is worth the effort, no matter how complex the care-just like the elderly or injured parrots we fight for each day. 💚🦜

🌎 1980 – Operation to eradicate smallpox declared complete.

Surgeons performing a complex operation under bright surgical lights surrounded by a medical team.

…of persistence, global teamwork, and compassion.
At RFPSInc, we may not cure global disease, but every bird we heal and every wild animal we save feels like a small victory for life itself. 🕊️💚
As we look back on these May 5 history and sanctuary stories, we’re reminded that every rescue, every feathered friend, and every shared memory becomes part of something much bigger. 🌿✨

📚 Historic May 5 Highlights Worth Exploring

If anybody knows of a good car or suv I�ll be looking for one. It will be used to get animals needing help around town…

Posted by Brad Harmon on Sunday, May 5, 2024

Does anybody have any good vehicles for sale? Need something with heat and air and good on gas. Doesn�t have to be…

Posted by Brad Harmon on Friday, May 5, 2023

Does anybody have any good vehicles for sale? Need something with heat and air and good on gas. Doesn�t have to be…

Posted by Brad Harmon on Friday, May 5, 2023

A fun video after yesterdays sad video. Please share all of our reels that you can. People watching them actually helps…

Posted by Brad Harmon on Thursday, May 5, 2022

When you know every cop in the state is crammed in a few city blocks you can race around town as fast as you can safely…

Posted by Brad Harmon on Thursday, May 5, 2022
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16cjWQaweC/ https://www.facebook.com/share/r/14H9rXif166/

Somebody could learn so much just by being near this Kentucky icon. She has done more for the state of Kentucky than anybody I�ve ever known. Plus she�s a pretty fun gal. ?

Posted by Brad Harmon on Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary is hiring seasonal help to to care for babies and provide whatever support is necessary…

Posted by Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary on Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Number #450 2021. Sweet little baby gosling. The girls were wanting to take a tour at broadbent on Saturday to see…

Posted by Brad Harmon on Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Posted by Brad Harmon on Wednesday, May 5, 2021

For all those that were worried about the momma opossum hit by a car this morning there were 9 babies in there. It was…

Posted by Brad Harmon on Tuesday, May 5, 2020

How is it snowing right now?

Posted by Brad Harmon on Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Now there is a pulp shortage to where we can�t even get our egg cartons. Milk, meat, now pulp I wonder what is next to fall to the rona?

Posted by Brad Harmon on Tuesday, May 5, 2020

I posted to early yesterday. I thought I had the day off but then this little stinker wandered into an office building….

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Sunday, May 5, 2019

My Kiki is such a pretty boy. He�s loves to pose for pictures. We�ve been busy with derby stuff sorry I haven�t post much. I�ll get back to it starting tomorrow. Have a good day! -Tara

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Sunday, May 5, 2019

Wise words. We hope everyone enjoys their Sunday. – Brad

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Sunday, May 5, 2019

Birds of Eurasia: Great Grey Owl The Great Grey Owl is dependent for survival on the forest population of small…

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, May 5, 2018

When you�re preparing the birds breakfast and giving the dog clean water. The burd has other ideas. So, Someone got a bath WITH his breakfast this morning! LoL Don�t worry, the dog still got clean water! ?Bethany

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, May 5, 2018

Frankie is ready for take-off on this Derby day! Have a great day everybirdie! – Marsha

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, May 5, 2018

Why yes, I stole your hair clip and I�m not sorry. -Tara

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, May 5, 2018

BEHOLD!! The great endangered unicorn conure!! LoL -Bethany

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, May 5, 2018

I just want to thank everyone for all the support today. United we have indeed been able to do amazing things. Thank you…

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, May 5, 2018

Good morning everyone! This is the face I get to see in the morning. I guess Magic is ready to come out and play! Have a good day! -Tara

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, May 5, 2018

Bill Wasserman thank you for the awesome perches and toys for the seniors. Thumper is having a field day making shredded messes. Lol

Posted by Brad Harmon on Saturday, May 5, 2018

Saved a nest of wild birds today. House sparrows I think but could be chickadees I can't ever tell them apart. Somebody…

Posted by Brad Harmon on Friday, May 5, 2017

Everybody is out having fun watching the horses and wearing all of their fancy clothes. Here I am just hanging out with…

Posted by Brad Harmon on Friday, May 5, 2017

Birds of Africa: African River Martin Robust legs, a strong, broad bill and markedly different feeding habits set…

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Friday, May 5, 2017

There's not a whole lot of action going on but here's a short video of Mister. -Tara

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Friday, May 5, 2017

Hi everyone! It's derby week here in Kentucky. Raylin is excited and hopes his horse comes in first place! Oh the bird toys he could buy with his winnings! Have a great night! -Tara

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Friday, May 5, 2017

We can all relax now that the weekend is finally in sight. Happy Friday everyone!-Wessie/Jessie

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Friday, May 5, 2017

I got Skittles all set up in his new cage with all new stuff. I tried to keep it as close to his original setup as…

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Friday, May 5, 2017

Chase says "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" First said however by Dr. Seuss. Chase looks mighty proud of…

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Friday, May 5, 2017

Good morning from these two cute little birdies up in the overhang outside of our local Chinese restaurant. Not 2…

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Friday, May 5, 2017

Birds of Eurasia: Pallas's Sandgrouse Like several of its relatives, Pallas's Sandgrouse lives in semi-desert and…

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, May 5, 2016

This video is a good example of trust and love birds have for each other. Nyla trust Sweety enough to get those pesky little feathers around her eyes and beak. She just relaxes and lets her friend take care of her. Magic might be the most trusting of all though falling asleep with those two close by. Lol I let this video play to the end to show nobody is dead or hurt just totally relaxed and comfortable. Have a great evening everyone. – Brad

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, May 5, 2016

Bubba Cyan sees the aviator harness as outdoor fun and yeah she's excited to wear it 🙂 Positive reinforcement at its best 🙂 More journeys at www.facebook.com/groups/ParrotBuddies Cheers 🙂

Posted by Cyan Blue And Gold Macaw on Friday, October 23, 2015

KIWI UPDATE: my boyfriend has renamed him raptor….but his leg, is fully healed. He has a limp but has full use of the…

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, May 5, 2016

My smaller flock members they might be small but they are full of mischief and always plotting new adventures. -Margaret

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, May 5, 2016

Stormy is ruffled up because it got chilly here overnight. It was down to about 40 degrees. We say that's way to cold for May and Stormy does not approve. Lol have a good Thursday everyone. – Brad

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, May 5, 2016

This bird gives away a clue in its bill. Can you name it? – Brad

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, May 5, 2016

Neiko says Thursday = Bath Day. Show us your soggy fids!! Post pictures in the comment section below!

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, May 5, 2016

This beautiful little I think baby Martin flew into one of the large picture windows at work yesterday. He shook a lot…

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, May 5, 2016

How many members have their birds harness trained ? -Margaret

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, May 5, 2016

This bird says �All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." First said however by Charles…

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, May 5, 2016

Ray just wanted to make sure people didn't hit snooze too many times before they got out of bed today. Snooze away and we hope everyone has a great day. – Brad

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, May 5, 2016

A little less clutter now 🙂

Posted by Dan Lawrence Berg on Thursday, May 5, 2016

Hey Ruffled Feathers friends guess what? We made it through hump day and we are on to Friday's Eve! This has been such a…

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, May 5, 2016

Frankie took an extra day to make this and he got the Too a little off, but he wanted to surprise RayRay with a beautiful HatchDay cake! So RayRay this is for you! – Marsha

Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, May 5, 2016

It's a nice night to enjoy the super moon and all the shooting stars!

Posted by Brad Harmon on Saturday, May 5, 2012

I'm having withdrawls because the cincinnati game is not on tv tonight only radio!

Posted by Brad Harmon on Wednesday, May 5, 2010

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