The World Parrot Refuge is a "home for life" for previously owned pet parrots. We do not adopt out parrots.

In their natural habitat, parrots group into flocks and remain with the same flock for life. Each member of the flock is invaluable and contributes to the safety and wellbeing of all. To be cast out by the flock can prove fatal to the ostracized member. This instinctual behavior remains prevalent among parrots in captivity, who were either caught in the wild or are the first generation of wild parents. For parrots who are passed from owner to owner or who are kept in isolation, the stress can be overwhelming. It can take years for such a parrot to feel secure.

We endeavor to provide our residents with a more natural environment for their comfort and mental stability. Being situated in Canada, instead of a tropical environment, makes this a difficult task. In response to this challenge, we provide large indoor enclosures for the many flocks that have become closely bonded since the parrots' arrival at the Refuge. These heated environments are well stocked with an abundance of natural branches and a variety of entertaining and destructible toys. Each day, the enclosures are cleaned and the flocks are fed a large variety of nuts, seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables. Ultimately, all enclosures will have access to large outside flights, allowing the birds to enjoy warmth and sunshine on days when the outside temperature is suitable for their health and comfort.

Many of the parrots that arrive at the Refuge require considerable veterinary care and continuous nursing. This requires love, dedication, and a great deal of money. The average cost to care for a healthy parrot at the Refuge is $500.00 per year. In addition, some birds require specialized and extended veterinary care, which can cost many thousands each year.

The World Parrot Refuge is a public educational facility dedicated to the health and well-being of parrots. Our goal in this respect is to raise awareness of the growing problems of parrots in captivity.

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! More stories coming soon!

Birds who are now partly sponsored, thank you!

Birds who are now fully sponsored, thank you!

"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.

"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)