The World Parrot Refuge was very proud to present a unique conference in Parksville, BC, which helped to educate the attendees about conservation and the illegal parrot trade. A number of amazing parrot experts joined us from Canada, the United States, Mexico and the United Kingdom, all of whom presented lectures as part of our goal to educate the public about what is being done to protect the parrots of the world.

Over the next week or so, we will have photos posted and a brief of the lectures to share with you.

Please click below to read more about the fascinating speakers who presented at the conference.

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December brings more parrots! And increased financial needs.

Wendy never turns away parrots needing a permanent home. At the World Parrot Refuge they find a loving and secure environment, where they are encouraged as much as possible, to grow into complete and healthy parrots.

Wendy then hopes in faith that the funding for their upkeep will follow.

Thanks! to all our supporters who see the value in what we are doing and are able to contribute in one way and another.

If you would like to help, financially and otherwise, please click on the HELP tab at the top of this web page for more information.

Thanks Everyone! Have a wonderful finish to the year - despite the turbulent times we've all been experiencing - Love goes on!

As I sat down for the first time today and looked out of the window, I noticed that the flags were starting to rest too. The bright colourful rainbow fabric sails that flap so wildly during the day also needed to sleep. Sadly, resting will not help the flags to heal: the wind has shredded them this year. Maybe we should get some new ones. It seems to be such a short time since we bought them and proudly put them on display to show people where to find us. So much has happened since that week. In fact so much has happened since our last newsletter that I decided to try and pull it all together, so that others could glimpse the busy life we have here at the World Parrot Refuge.

Larry Neil, one of our special volunteers, erected all the steel piping and chain link fencing in the new Macaw House. He did an incredible job and stretched the fencing really tight. Even with cuts, bruises, and very sore hands he didn’t give up until it was finished. Thank you Larry from all of the humans here at the sanctuary. When the Macaws finally get in there, you will hear the cheers as far away as Victoria!

The newly constructed Macaw House, thanks to Larry Neil and Andy Breslin.

The next step is to get trees and branches for the compounds – especially arbutus. If anyone has some that they don’t want - we will be happy to put it to good use. We have a large number of Macaws all waiting to move into the new Macaw House - but we have to build forests first. We can use fallen trees of all kinds, except cedar. Parrots need to have family roosts to call their own. Each small flock that makes up the larger flock prefers their own special home in the forest.

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So far this year we have received two beautiful Fischer's Lovebirds, an African Grey and a Green-winged Macaw.

The African Grey is named Charlie, and is the loved child of a devoted Momma who was at least 70 when she bought him as an itsy-bitsy baby, and raised him herself. She has been a regular donor, and visited the refuge to make sure that there was a place for Charlie should anything ever happen to her. Sadly, she had a stroke and was whisked off to the hospital in Vancouver. Her daughter went across to the mainland to see Mom and picked up Charlie (who is now 15 years old) and brought him right here. Poor Charlie is really suffering. He saw his beloved Momma fall to the floor and saw people carry her away. He has not seen her since, and feels lost and abandoned. I have spent 2 days talking to him and explaining about Momma. Today, he came out of his cage and started to make conversation with Coco the Umbrella cockatoo from Calgary.

(Note added Feb. 19: you can spot Charlie in the background of this video. He seems to be doing better.)

Phoenix, the Green-winged Macaw is only 9 years old, and has already come full circle from his first home to his home for life in the Refuge. I raised him from a tiny baby for a man who wanted to give Phoenix to his beloved daughter (who wanted Phoenix forever and ever). A year ago Phoenix was sold to a another couple. Phoenix, and another Grey and Amazon lived in the "Bird Room" in the basement, while the couple lived upstairs. Phoenix apparently kept climbing the stairs to "reshape" the furniture to look more like real trees in the jungle. He came here with a handsome donation to support him. He is having a blast with Charley the Military Macaw. They are very naughty little boys who walk around the floor together looking for mischief. I laughed until I almost coughed my lungs up!

- from Wendy

In just six days, between Friday, August 25 to Wednesday, August 30 we welcomed ten parrots to the Refuge. Two of them came from one home with support, and the other eight are donations, two of which require vet care. We are so glad to have them with us, and to be able to provide them with a Home for Life. Of course, any help you could provide in supporting our new arrivals would be most welcomed.

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.