Karen Ochoa

Karen Ochoa is a natural animal lover. Ever since she was a little girl, she dreamed of having pets of her own. Now, at the age of 28, she and her husband Luis Cruz, own around 80 birds and two dogs. All of which live in greenhouse type – cage, in their home.

“A lot of the birds I own are rescues from breeders that have been mass produced and kept them in horrible conditions. It is important for people to know the consequences of buying for pets,” said Ochoa.

Ochoa has recently taken in a 80+ year-old parrot named Pepe (pictured) who had been living in a small metal cage for most of his life. Ever since she took the bird under her wing, he has changed for the better, walking around, socializing with the other birds and happily flapping his stunted wings.

Ochoa laughs when she thinks about the ridiculousness of being a young woman with 80 birds – reminiscent of the crazy cat lady however, it is clear she doesn’t mind the stereotype at all.

“Even though taking care of birds is not a common hobby for people my age, it makes me a happy person,” said Ochoa, “My animals are like my kids.”