The Indonesian Parrot Project, and parrot lovers world-wide, have been saddened greatly by the loss of Diana (Di) Holloway on January 18, 2009.

Photo: Nancy Speed [center] and Nancy Burke [right] turn to Diana [left]
for advice, information—and a warm smile, during this parrot symposium.

I knew Di who was the Species Specialist to the Indonesian Parrot Project for Tanygnathus species (as well as Vice-President of The Tanygnathus Society, which includes the Great-billed Parrot. Diana observed her flock of Tanygnathus megalorhynchos (Great-Billed Parrots) for about 15 years and successfully bred second-generation domestic Great-Bills since 2000. This extensive experience provides us with expert insights into this species, which is one of the ‘flagship’ parrot species in our program.

Diana had also served for 11 yrs. as President of The Amazona Society [which began with Diana and a few friends] . A parrot keeper for 20+ years, Diana had bred seven species of Amazons (several to the third generation) and five species of macaws before retiring her flock. Diana felt that promoting environmental enrichment, researching natural instinctive behavioral traits, and generational breeding, will ensure the survival of some species . Therefore she  concentrated her educational programs revolving around these concepts. Even after retiring from the field of clinical psychology, Di also continued to hold a board position on a family and child advocacy agency, and as a councilwoman on the Bryan, Ohio City Council.

Eulogies have flocked in. Steven Frasier of the Amazona Sociey wrote:

“Diana Holloway lived life as an Amazon’s Amazon, words that I know she would fully understand and be humbled by their meaning and depth. She would think it too much an honor, but the Amazons know the tribute as appropriate. Her love for Amazons and the people they owned was bondless. Di helped so very many of us pass through the deep sorrow and loss of our Amazons and the celebration and joyful arrival of a new Amazon into our hearts. Diana had this unique ability to believe in each of us and see our abilities beyond what we knew possible or probable. Her support, inspiration and ability to encourage us to step forward, to take a chance that in each case allowed us growth and our Amazon’s a healthier and happier life. She seemed to sense when we needed a soft word, congratulation, or a slight nudge in the right direction.”

Another wrote:

“...she was a very feisty and intelligent woman who said what she thought and didn't pull any punches.  I really liked her because of her strength and her truthful speaking.  She was a person that one could trust.”

 But within that strength lay a softness and caring.  We remember her with love, but can only guess at the love and joy she brought to her birds, and which her birds brought to her.