We owe our deepest gratitude to the following corporate sponsors, who have been key players in ensuring the sustainability and development of the World Parrot Refuge.

We acknowledge the financial assistance of

the Province of British Columbia



Great Canadian Casinos



Night Owl Bird Hospital, Vancouver

West Coast Tropical Bird Studio, Vancouver

Save on Foods, Parksville

Rolf C Hagen Company

Brother International

Past Sponsors

Eatmore Sprouts & Greens, Courtenay

Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions about the World Parrot Refuge!

Where is the Refuge located?
The Refuge is located in Coombs, close to the Goats on the Roof - 2116 Alberni Hwy, Coombs BC V0R 1M0, for those with GPS. See our Visitor Info page for a map.

When is the Refuge open?
We're open 10am to 4pm, every day of the year!

How much is admission to the Refuge?
Adult: $12 + GST
Youth (13-17): $10 + GST
Children (6-12): $8 + GST
Children (5 and under): Free
Senior: $10 + GST
Family Day Pass (2 adults and 2 children/youth): $30 + GST
Family Annual Pass/Annual Membership (tax-deductible and entitles purchaser and three immediate family members to unlimited admission for the year): $100

How many parrots live at the Refuge?
We have over 700 parrots from more than 50 species, as well as one pigeon who thinks she is a parrot.

Where do all the parrots come from?
All of the parrots are previously owned pet parrots or ex-breeding stock, whose owners could no longer care for them.

Why can't I buy a parrot?
The sanctuary provides a "Home For Life" for the parrots that are surrendered into our care. There are hundreds of thousands of parrots already on the pet-go-around. Check your local "Buy and Sell" - there are always birds listed in there that you can help by providing one with a Home For Life.

What do you mean by Virtual Adoption?
Sponsorship (or Virtual Adoption) of a surrendered parrot is what makes it possible for us to help so many parrots. Many birds come from Humane Societies who have seized them from dreadful situations. Many birds are surrendered from breeding situations without any sponsorship. Virtual Adoption helps these birds to get the care that they deserve.

How much does it cost to do a Virtual Adoption?
It costs the sanctuary an average of $500 per year to care for a healthy parrot, so a full sponsorship is $500 per year. Some people partially sponsor a parrot for $250 per year or some other amount they are comfortable with. Every penny that comes in for Virtual Adoption is used for the care and feeding of the parrots.

Why does it cost so much to look after a parrot, and how do you use my donations?
Think about the costs of running your home. You do not consider the high cost of electricity, water, heating, cleaning and maintenance as a luxury since you need these every day to live comfortably. In a sanctuary with a floor area of 23,000 square feet, the heating bill is enormous. We have 14 staff on hand to ensure that the facility always stays clean and healthy, and that the parrots get fed 3 times a day. The cost of seeds, walnuts, almonds, peanuts, macadamia nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, diet pellets, and special feeding formulas is very high. Add to this the things we all take for granted - lighting, hot water, brooms, mops and cleaning equipment, as well as cleaning products and laundry soaps. The list is endless, and that is only taking care of the needs of the healthy parrots. We receive many who require constant medical care.

If I can't donate money, are there other ways I can help?
Volunteering, fundraising, and collecting used toys for the parrots, are just a few ways you can help. Look at our Help Us page for inspiration!

I am no longer able to look after my pet parrot - can I bring him/her to the Refuge?
Make arrangements with Wendy via email or by phone and they will be accepted.

If I surrender a parrot, can I get it back?
The surrender form is a legal and binding contract. You sign the parrot over to the sanctuary. A sanctuary representative signs the document to say that we will provide a Home For Life for the bird, and that we will not breed, sell, give away or adopt out the parrot.

If I surrender a parrot, do I have to pay to support it?
Not everyone is able to financially support their previously owned pet. However, if you have the means, you are contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Refuge. Moreover, it is greatly appreciated and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt.

Can I volunteer at the Refuge?
We are always happy to have volunteer help. Learn more about Volunteering for the Refuge.

Can my group volunteer at the Refuge?
Yes - as long as we make arrangements in advance to ensure that we have a suitable project for your group, so that your valuable time is not wasted.

Can my child (under 16) volunteer at the Refuge?
Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Young people get so involved with things that they are not always aware of their surroundings and can easily get bitten. Think Work Safe.

Can someone give a talk to my organization?
We would love to come and speak to your organization. We would even bring parrots with us to assist. There is no direct cost for this educational service. However, any donations you can make are tax-deductible and go a long way to helping the parrots in our care.

Please come out to visit us! The parrots love visitors, and so do we!

Hours

We're open 10am to 4pm, every day of the year!

Admission Prices

Entrance tickets are purchased at the main desk in the gift shop. Prices do not include GST.

Adult: $12 + GST
Youth (13-17): $10 + GST
Children (6-12): $8 + GST
Children (5 and under): Free
Senior: $10 + GST
Best value:
Family Day Pass (2 adults and 2 children/youth): $30 + GST
Family Annual Pass/Annual Membership (tax-deductible and entitles purchaser and three immediate family members to unlimited admission for the year): $100

Location

Driving from Nanaimo, you'll find us on your left at 2116 Alberni Hwy, Coombs, just a kilometre before the Old Country Market with the famed "Goats on the Roof"!

Look for the giant parrot and rainbow-coloured flags and you won't miss us!

Grant Corriveau is a special volunteer who devotes much of his time to helping our parrot friends. Grant has a wonderful blog with anecdotes, photos and videos of his experiences as a volunteer at the World Parrot Refuge. Share his adventures, and learn why it's such a heart-warming and emotional experience to be part of giving these amazing parrots a "home for life". Visit Grant's site here - West Coast Chronicles.

Thanks for all you do, Grant!

The cost of caring for a healthy bird at the Refuge is $500 per year. This ensures access to things we often take for granted - a varied and healthy diet, clean shelter, warmth, light, safety, and skilled medical care when needed. As you can appreciate, the cost of caring for one of our many special needs residents, who often have large medical expenses, is much more.

By virtually adopting a parrot, you help us to provide him or her with a happy, healthy "Home for Life". We understand there's only so much people can give. Every contribution - no matter how small - helps, and is tax deductible. Regular contributions help with ongoing costs. By clicking on the "Donate Now" button on the top right corner of any page, you can set up a one-time or regular donation using the secure website of CanadaHelps.org, or choose other donation options. Thank you.

Please click on the thumbnails below to learn how you can help some special birds have a home for life through our "Virtual Adoption" program!

Birds who are now partly sponsored, thank you!

Birds who are now fully sponsored, thank you!

"The World Parrot Refuge is a true sanctuary where parrots live out their lives in a loving, spacious and happy environment under the guidance of extraordinarily caring people. The many visitors destined to pass through the refuge will come to understand that parrots are not toys or trophies, but beings with needs and emotions as real as our own."

– Rosemary Low (author of more than 30 books on parrots)

"This is, in a word, a great place and these miraculous creatures deserve no less, but few places can deliver it this well. It is, indeed, 'world class'."

– Stewart Metz (author and Director of the Indonesian Parrot Project), after his visit at the Grand Opening of the Refuge on August 13, 2005.