A lorikeet’s life
ZaZu is a 3-year-old rainbow lorikeet that lives a life of pampered captivity in Playa del Rey. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Mira Tweti in the aviary she built on her balcony for ZaZu. Over the years, Tweti has become a parrot expert and conservationist and now believes people should not own parrots as pets. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
ZaZu the lorikeet chatters as Mira Tweti makes the bird’s breakfast. Tweti will warm apple juice in the microwave and put it out in one bowl. In another, she will put a powdery mixture of nectar, vitamins and pollen. Hes on the same diet as a hummingbird, she says. With his beak, ZaZu will mix the dry food with the juice. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Mira Tweti shows her affection for ZaZu -- and vice versa? (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Seemingly watched over by a bird of a different feather, ZaZu entertains himself while waiting for owner Mira Tweti to fix his breakfast. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
