Gladys Hatcher

Gladys Hatcher was the first owner of Ptolemy III the scarlet macaw. When he was young, Gladys taught Ptolemy to read using the same flashcards her first-graders used, so he could both talk and read. Ptolemy enjoyed reading the newspaper lining his cage. While he didn't have the knowledge or experience to understand the news section, he did enjoy the sports and financial sections. His understanding of financial trends was such that Gladys started following his advice, establishing a healthy portfolio and wealth as a result. Ptolemy was fussy, preferring a regular, stable schedule.

Before she died in the early 1990s, Gladys made arrangements for Ptolemy in her will. She divided her estate into quarters. Her adult grandchildren, Benjamin, his sister Linda, and their cousin Cindy Ledbetter would each get a third, and the fourth quarter would be placed in a trust to provide for Ptolemy until he died.

In the end, Ptolemy only outlived Gladys by about a year and a half.