This bicycling bird is the star of West Seattle

Mary Gringo started pedaling her Ara Lago around West Seattle during the pandemic – and Lago now has hundreds of fans.

SEATTLE – Lago the Macaw is arguably the most popular type in West Seattle.

Mary Gringo and Lago met about 35 years ago when Gringo was living on a sailboat and stopped in Florida. She visited a place called Parrot Jungle and saw a group of amazing macaws – but one caught her eye.

“Oh my god, that’s my bird,” laughs Gringo.

And more than three decades later, Gringo and Lago are still best friends who live in West Seattle. Her home is adorned with paintings, sculptures, and statues of blue and gold macaws – the type of macaw that Lago is.

“He’s just the best,” says Gringo. “He’s just my buddy. He loves getting outside. He’s incredibly loving, loves to be petted, loves to watch TV, just wants to hang out with me all the time.”

They hung around a lot during the pandemic. Gringo owns the Queen Mary Tea Room, which was closed during the pandemic. She is at home much longer than usual, leaving plenty of time for a nightly bike ride.

“We’re out almost every night, we go down to the beach and back and forth,” says Gringo. “And he gets to know everyone. It doesn’t matter who they are. It’s just really fun.”

Lago has many admirers when he goes on the rides. Gringo stops to chat with bystanders, feed Lago snacks, and be fed by other peanuts. And if you’re worried about Lago flying away, you don’t have to.

“He never liked to fly,” laughs Gringo.

But he loves cycling. And gringo loves Lago.

“Oh my god, he’s just a part of me,” says Gringo.

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