In 1870 a parrot is captured by a pirate in the Amazon jungle and taken aboard his ship along with priceless treasure. The ship is sunk in the South Pacific and the parrot watches as the wounded pirate buries the treasure and dies beside it. In 1996 the same parrot, Mac, is now 140-years-old and living with an eccentric inventor, who is very close to his 12-year-old grandson, Sam. Their world is shattered when Sam's father discovers Grandpa is in serious debt and organises to sell his home and move him into a pet-free retirement centre. The prospect of being separated from Grandpa is too much for Mac who reveals to Sam that he can talk! Mac also remembers where the treasure is buried and the adventure begins.