August 1, 2025 | London, UK — In one of the more colorful rescues of the year, firefighters in Edmonton, North London, were called to retrieve a parrot that had been stuck on a roof for three days. As firefighter Chris Swallow climbed up the ladder to coax the bird down, he was met with a less-than-grateful response: the parrot looked him in the eye and yelled, “F**k off!” According to officials, the green Amazon parrot named Jessie had escaped from her home earlier in the week. Despite her foul-mouthed greeting, Jessie was eventually rescued safely and returned to her owner. The fire brigade later confirmed both parrot and rescuer were unharmed—though one had their ego slightly bruised.
Jessie’s escapade began innocuously enough. The family had opened the windows of their apartment on a warm Wednesday morning, unaware that Jessie, who had a reputation for mischief, would see her chance to explore the world beyond her cage. Neighbors reported seeing the green-feathered adventurer hopping along rooftops, occasionally squawking in what many described as surprisingly articulate phrases. “She wasn’t just flying aimlessly,” one local resident said. “She seemed to know exactly where she was going, like she had a plan.”
Over the next three days, Jessie became something of a local celebrity. People stopped on the streets to snap photos and record videos of her daring rooftop antics, often sharing them on social media with captions expressing amusement at her colorful vocabulary. The posts quickly went viral, with hashtags like #JessieTheParrot and #RudeBird trending across platforms. Users around the world joked about needing to teach their own pets some manners—or perhaps just the opposite, if Jessie was anything to go by.
Meanwhile, her owners were in a state of panic. The family, who had raised Jessie from a chick, were desperate to get her back safely. They called the local animal rescue center and, eventually, the fire department when it became clear that the bird wasn’t returning on her own. “We were worried sick,” said the owner, who requested to remain anonymous. “She’s more than a pet—she’s part of the family. And seeing her shout at the firefighters was…well, stressful and funny at the same time.”
The rescue operation itself became an unexpectedly entertaining ordeal. Firefighter Swallow, a veteran with years of experience handling everything from cats stuck in trees to hazardous chemical spills, admitted that he had never encountered a bird quite like Jessie. “I’ve dealt with stubborn animals before,” he said. “But Jessie was something else. Every time I got close, she’d yell something profane at me. At first, I thought she was just scared, but it quickly became clear that she was having a bit of fun with me.”
Fire department officials took the situation in stride, sharing updates on social media and emphasizing that animal rescues can often take unpredictable turns. They encouraged residents not to attempt to coax or capture wild or escaped pets on their own, highlighting the potential risks to both humans and animals. “It’s important to remember that even small animals can be unpredictable,” said a spokesperson. “Jessie is lucky we were called in when we were, because a fall from that roof could have been very serious.”
As the rescue unfolded, Jessie’s antics drew a growing crowd of spectators. People gathered at the street below, phones raised, laughing at each exchange between bird and rescuer. One video shows Swallow leaning over the edge of the ladder, arms outstretched, while Jessie swings from a nearby chimney, cackling and repeating words that made bystanders burst into laughter. The footage has been shared tens of thousands of times online, with viewers expressing amazement at Jessie’s vocal talents and cheeky personality.
Once safely in the hands of the firefighters, Jessie was wrapped in a soft towel and carefully carried down. Her attitude didn’t soften much, however. The bird continued to squawk profanities in protest, much to the amusement of everyone around. “She clearly has a personality all her own,” said Swallow. “I’ve never been sworn at by a parrot before, but I can now say it’s a unique experience.”
Back at home, Jessie’s reunion with her owners was emotional. The family reported that the parrot was calm but alert, occasionally muttering phrases that suggested she was fully aware of the attention she had received over the past few days. “She seemed proud of herself,” the owner said, smiling. “I think she enjoyed the adventure, even if we didn’t.” Veterinarians examined Jessie as a precaution and confirmed that she was in perfect health, though they did note that prolonged exposure to the elements could have posed a serious threat.
Jessie’s story also sparked discussions among animal behaviorists, who noted that parrots are highly intelligent and social creatures capable of mimicking human speech with remarkable accuracy. Many experts suggested that Jessie’s choice of words might have been a combination of learned phrases and an expression of her natural boldness. “Parrots often use language in ways that mirror their social environment,” said Dr. Ellen Thompson, an avian behavior specialist. “Jessie’s vocabulary is a reflection of both her environment and her personality. It’s not uncommon for parrots to experiment with sounds and words, especially when they sense attention or excitement.”
Social media users have had a field day with Jessie’s exploits. Some shared memes depicting the parrot in heroic or mischievous scenarios, while others posted screenshots of Jessie’s famous phrases with captions joking about the challenges of dealing with intelligent pets. Comments ranged from laughing emojis to sincere admiration for the bird’s cleverness, with many people expressing envy at her fearless nature. “If my cat could talk like that, I’d probably be in therapy,” one user joked. “Jessie is living her best life, unapologetically.”
Beyond the humor, Jessie’s adventure also served as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. Fire department officials urged owners to ensure that windows, cages, and outdoor enclosures are secure, especially for birds capable of flight. “While Jessie’s story had a happy ending, not every escaped pet is so lucky,” the spokesperson said. “We want to see pets safe and happy in their homes, and this means taking precautions to prevent accidents.”
In the days following the rescue, Jessie has settled back into her routine, although she seems to have retained some of the daring attitude that propelled her to fame. Her owners report that she enjoys perching near the window and watching the outside world, occasionally letting out a cheeky squawk when she spots neighbors or passersby. Friends and family visiting the home are often entertained by Jessie’s vocal antics, which have become a charming hallmark of her personality.
The story has resonated far beyond Edmonton, with media outlets around the world picking up the tale of the foul-mouthed parrot and the brave firefighter who rescued her. It has been celebrated as a humorous yet heartwarming example of human-animal interaction, showing both the intelligence of animals and the dedication of those who rescue them. While Jessie’s vocabulary may be unconventional, her impact has been unmistakable, bringing laughter, joy, and a few lessons in patience to thousands of people.
Ultimately, Jessie’s rooftop adventure has become more than just a local news story; it’s a testament to the unpredictable, often hilarious ways that animals can touch our lives. Her story reminds us to appreciate the quirks and personalities of our pets, to respect their intelligence, and, perhaps most importantly, to expect the unexpected. In Jessie’s case, the unexpected came in the form of a green Amazon parrot with a sharp tongue and a fearless spirit—a tiny creature capable of turning an ordinary rescue into a viral sensation.
As for firefighter Chris Swallow, he says he won’t soon forget the encounter. “I’ve rescued a lot of animals in my career, but Jessie is one for the books,” he said. “It was stressful, it was funny, and yes, she swore at me—but in the end, she’s safe, and that’s what matters. And I’ll admit, I kind of miss hearing her voice around the station.” Jessie’s family, of course, is just happy to have their audacious, articulate companion back where she belongs, safe, loved, and perhaps plotting her next adventure.
