It's taken nearly seven months and mounds of paperwork, but Gulliver is finally returning to the United States.

The 4-year-old blue and gold macaw has been stranded on Fanning Island since its owners were shipwrecked on the tiny South Pacific island in early December.

Perhaps the most famous macaw in the world because of its plight, Gulliver was abandoned by its owners when they were rescued by a cargo ship that couldn't take animals on board.

The family's cocker spaniel, Snickers, was also left behind, but he was rescued three months ago by a Norwegian Cruise Line ship and is now at his adopted home in Las Vegas.

Gulliver's travels haven't been quite so simple.

Because the original owners didn't have the proper paperwork for the macaw, Gulliver's rescuers had to go through mounds of paperwork and red tape with custom and USDA officials as well as government officials from Fanning Island and other U.S. departments to save Gulliver from being euthanized.

But all threats of that happening have ended. Rescuers with The Oasis Sanctuary said they will be retrieving him this weekend.

"Gulliver's life has been in danger for seven months, due to strict non-importation regulations regarding animals, in particular birds," said Sybil Erden, executive director with the sanctuary. "The government of the Republic of Kiribati became legal owners of Gulliver when he was abandoned, signing him over to The Oasis Sanctuary in early May."

Erben said in an email that several individuals and agencies, including the U.S. Embassy in Fiji and Kiribati Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Solicitor General, helped the bird.

Erden and Oasis veterinarian Todd Driggers leave for Kiribati on Friday to bring Gulliver to the U.S.

Erden said with Gulliver is slated to become the "Spokes Parrot" for all lost, abused and homeless parrots throughout the country.

The Oasis Sanctuary" is the largest, non-profit, dually accredited life-care facility for parrots in the U.S.