Honoring Bonaire’s “Lora-Man,” Gibi Coffie, on World Parrot Day 2025

Who is Gibi Coffie?

A true gentleman and guardian of nature, Gibi has dedicated more than 15 years to protecting and nurturing the island’s parrots, the Yellow-shouldered Amazon (Amazona barbadensis), known in the local language of Papiamentu as the “lora.”

Without ever seeking fame, recognition, or reward, Gibi has given his time, resources, and boundless compassion to ensure these vibrant birds not only survive, but that they thrive.

A love affair that was rooted in a Kalbas tree.

Gibi’s love affair with Bonaire’s parrots began in the most unassuming way—with a Kalbas (Calabash) tree in his front yard. The tree, leaning over into the street, regularly dropped fruit, a favorite treat for the loras. Parrots would swoop in and land in the street to feed, oblivious to the danger posed by passing traffic.

Sadly, some met tragic ends. One parrot suffered a broken wing. Gibi gently brought the injured bird into his home, nursing it back to health over six months. Though the parrot eventually regained the ability to fly, its coordination was never perfect. In a subsequent mishap, the bird lost one of its eyes.

This unsettling experience stirred something deeper in Gibi. He began moving the fallen Kalbas fruits into his garden, offering the birds a safe haven in which to feed. This small act of kindness sparked a remarkable relationship—one that has now spanned over 1-1/2 decades.

Finding sanctuary in the garden.

As word spread among the loras, perhaps via the rustle of the many beating wings or the happy whistles of contentment, more parrots began to appear. Gibi responded in kind, providing a natural diet of seeds, nuts, and plantain slices in addition to the Kalbas fruits.

The loras quickly came to recognize Gibi as a friend. With time, they grew bold enough to perch on his shoulders, arms, and even his head. It was a relationship built on trust, patience, and mutual respect—never forced, always freely given.

The return of the loras.

As the rains taper off and food becomes more scarce, the parrots slowly begin to return.  In January, the first few parrots might begin visiting Gibi once again, with more and more arriving as their food source in the forest is utilized and dwindles.  Starting in about March and running usually through the beginning of September, the island can be very dry, which makes it more difficult for the parrots to find food, and many parrots will then take advantage of Gibi’s generosity.  Especially during these months, each evening just before sunset, Gibi’s trees fill with parrots awaiting a meal.  It’s a spectacular sight.

A special bond between parrot and human, not to be forgotten.

Of all the stories Gibi shares about his years with the parrots, one stands out. Remember the first injured parrot—the one with the broken wing and missing eye? Fifteen years later, it still returns to visit him. Despite its physical limitations, it manages to fly in for meals. Gibi, ever thoughtful, sets food in a quiet, sheltered corner so it can eat undisturbed by the more agile members of the flock.

It’s a simple yet powerful act—one that speaks to a bond that has never faded. In a touching show of trust, this resilient lora even brings its young to the garden, knowing from experience that it’s a safe haven for them, too.

So, exactly who is Gibi Coffie? Without a doubt, he is a gentleman and a nature guardian.

And so today, we take a moment to say thank you to Gibi Coffie. His selfless dedication, his gentle heart, and his unwavering care have made a real difference to Bonaire’s parrot population.

He is a man who saw animals in need and chose to act, not for acclaim, not for gain, but because it was the right thing to do.

On this World Parrot Day, may his story inspire us all to protect the wild, nurture the vulnerable, and give freely without expectation.

Because sometimes, the greatest heroes among us are also the quietest.