Emerald was brought to the Project Wildlife Care Center on February 15, 2008, when she was about two weeks old. She was missing her right foot, but the injury was not acute. It is not certain whether she had lost the foot while in the nest, or if it had been missing since birth.

Due to the permanent nature of this injury, and because it would have placed her at a significant disadvantage in the wild, she was not considered fit for release. However, since she was an otherwise healthy nestling who quickly learned to recognize food, to eat on her own, and to fly, she was eligible for consideration as an Animal Ambassador: a non-releasable animal who, under a special permit from the State of California, remains in the custody of Project Wildlife and participates in programs to educate the public about San Diego's native wildlife species.

After being evaluated by PW staff members and a veterinarian, Emerald was granted Animal Ambassador status and was transferred to her new home with a PW volunteer. As you can see from some of her pictures, she has been provided with specialized perching to accomodate her disability. She has learned to manage very well; since scratching and preening while perched can be difficult with only one foot, she has even taught herself to perform some of these activities in mid-air! Having been raised by humans from a very early age, Emerald has adapted well to her surroundings and is often surprisingly social in her behaviors. She particularly enjoys bathing in her fountain, which she typically does at least 2-3 times each day.