The Gnarls Barkley member, who wants to replace his cat with the bird in the third season of the NBC music competition, is urged to bring a rescue dog instead of the endangered animal.
- June 25, 2012
AceShowbiz -
Cee-Lo Green is taking the heat over his plans to replace the pet cat he took to "The Voice" with a Moluccan cockatoo. Animal rights organization Born Free has expressed its concern, explaining that the species is not only endangered, but is also believed to develop self-mutilation when kept as a pet.
"Moluccan cockatoos are beautiful, intelligent animals but they are very challenging to care for especially in the long term, and are prone to considerable welfare problems," Monica Engrebretson, a representative for the organization, told TMZ. "Many Moluccan cockatoos develop self-destructive behavior including feather plucking and self mutilation not known to occur in the wild."
"Many parrot rescues are already filled to capacity with Moluccans and other large parrots," she added, before urging the judge of the reality show to bring a dog instead. "I encourage 'The Voice' to reconsider featuring a Moluccan cockatoo or any bird as a 'pet' on the show and instead promote a more appropriate companion animal such as a dog. Even better, they could feature a rescue dog or a dog in need of a home."
Noting that she didn't make the statement out of hate for the "F**k You" singer, Monica said, "I want to add that I am a huge fan of Cee-Lo and I am glad that he appears to be an animal lover."
Cee-Lo is going to return as a judge/mentor in the third season of "The Voice" alongside Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton. The new season will premiere Monday, September 10 at 8 P.M. on NBC.
The Gnarls Barkley member revealed earlier this month that he found the cockatoo named Lady while "vacationing on Fantasy Island". He gushed, "She's my little lady with a big opinion. Sometimes whispers inappropriateness in my ear, but always ladylike."
