We are thrilled to announce that a short documentary by Danny Mauro and Hayley Crooks called "A Home For Life" has been selected to screen at the Kingston Film Festival before the feature length films "Reel Injun" and "A Shine of Rainbows".

This short documentary features Wendy and the World Parrot Refuge!  Cogeco’s Danny Mauro (Sport Diver TV, Blue Realm, National Geographic) and local filmmaker Hayley Crooks (Only For You official selection of the Kingston Canadian Film Festival 2009) created the short documentary about the "fascinating world of neglected and abused exotic birds and the people that rescue and care for them".

You can see Danny filming his proposal to the Discovery HD channel for "A Home For Life" here:

The feature length films will both be playing March 6th at 12:25pm and 7:10pm respectively. If you are in Kingston, Ontario and able to attend the screenings, we'd love to hear about it!

The For the Love Of Parrots Refuge Society (FLOPRS) Annual General Meeting will be held at the World Parrot Refuge on March 14 at 11 am.

The World Parrot Refuge is very proud to present a unique opportunity that you won't want to miss. We are hosting a conference from May 21-23 in Parksville, BC, which will help to educate people about conservation and the illegal parrot trade. We have a number of amazing parrot experts joining us from Canada, the United States, Mexico and the United Kingdom who will be speaking as part of our goal to educate the public about what is being done to protect the parrots of the world.

Our current list of speakers is given below, complete with more information about each of their inspirational projects.

Purchase your tickets securely online

Reserve your spot now, as there are only 200 seats available. We look forward to sharing this special event with you! Together, we can Make A Difference!

You have a choice of attending the entire event or individual days, as well as joining us for the Saturday Night Banquet and Auction. We accept Visa and Mastercard, or you can choose to use Paypal. Our online ordering pages are SSL secure.

Please click below to read more about the fascinating speakers who will be presenting at the conference, and for more information about the conference location and agenda. Hurry to secure your seat before they're all sold out!

Follow up:

Speakers

Rosemary Low, World-reknowned parrot expert

Rosemary Low is considered one of the world's foremost parrot experts, having devoted most of her life to studying and advocating for these magnificent creatures. A co-founder of the World Parrot Trust in 1989, and editor of the Society's magazine, "PsittaScene" until 2004, Rosemary spends her time promoting and assisting with parrot conservation projects. She is passionate about improving the lives of captive birds. Rosemary spent nearly eight years in the Canary Islands as curator of two of the world's largest parrot collections, Loro Parque in Tenerife and Palmitos Park in Gran Canaria. She has traveled widely, speaking at avicultural symposiums on four continents and observing parrots in the wild in more than 30 countries. Rosemary has published hundreds of articles and more than 20 books on parrots, on subjects ranging from their care and breeding to the issues of trade and conservation. Her latest book, "Go West for Parrots – a South American Odyssey, chronicles her journeys to the neotropics over three decades, beginning in 1975. Rosemary will be available to autograph her new book at the Making a Difference Conference.

Stewart Metz, Director, Indonesian Parrot Project

A graduate of Yale Medical School, Dr Stewart Metz has served as Professor of Medicine at two major universities, and was the Chief of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Head of the Diabetes Program, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 2001, Dr Metz left behind a promising career to dedicate his life to parrots, parrot conservation and the welfare of companion parrots. As Director of the Indonesian Parrot project, Stewart promotes alternative forms of sustainable income, including eco-tourism, for local villagers, who in turn protect local birds from trapping. He also uses his biomedical background to enhance both the Medical Initiative of the Seram (Indonesia) Program, as well as the disease and laboratory testing aspects of the project's Wild Parrot Re-Release program. Dr Metz also serves as a conservation consultant for Project Bird Watch, an organization dedicated to saving the Moluccan cockatoo in its native Indonesian habitat. Promoting education and the most humane care possible for companion parrots continue to be important issues for a man who believes that no matter how much we do for our companion parrots, we can never come close to the life they have in the wild.

Sam Williams, PhD, Co-Founder of ParrotWatch.org

Sam Williams, University of Sheffield, has spent the past several years studying the endangered Yellow-shouldered Amazon on the Caribbean Island of Bonaire. His fieldwork is designed to develop optimal conservation management strategies. Sam's research involves monitoring mortality, particularly during the reproductive cycle, and investigating parrot requirements through habitat assessment and bird surveys. After completing his studies in Ecology at the University of Stirling in 2001, Williams traveled to Brazil, where he assisted in identifying active nests of the critically endangered Lear's Macaw. He has a long association with the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation, where he worked with the rare Echo parakeet. In association with a local non-governmental group (Salba Nos Lora), Sam and his colleagues promote community-based conservation efforts to generate awareness of, and safeguard the future for, the Yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot. This involves a variety of approaches from coordinating educational campaigns to planting fruit trees and conducting annual parrot population counts. You can follow the work of Sam and his team at parrotwatch.org, where visitors can observe inside wild parrot nests.

Steve Milpacher, Director of Business Development, World Parrot Trust

As Director of Business Development, Steve Milpacher manages the World Parrot Trust's website, establishes business partnerships, and provides general support for marketing, fundraising, and business efforts. Steve attended Okanagan College (now UBC Okanagan), taking courses in the biological sciences and later completed a certificate in Endangered Species Management with Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust (now Durrell Preservation Trust) at Jersey, UK. Steve's business credentials include working in the education industry, first as an education and nature products retailer, and later in a variety of business, marketing, and web development roles for an education software company. He has spoken at numerous clubs, meetings and conferences and has had articles published in Bird Talk, Parrots, Parrot Society of Australia and PsittaScene magazines. Steve has a keen interest in photography, and recently had the opportunity to fulfill a dream to travel to Mexico and photograph wild Thick-billed and Maroon-fronted Parrots.

Ann Brooks, President, Phoenix Landing, North Carolina

President and co-founder of Phoenix Landing, Ann Brooks' original plan was to build a free-flight facility where parrots could enjoy long and healthy lives, inspired by her macaw Phoenix who should live decades longer than she will. However, reflecting on the extensive number of birds that need new homes through no fault of their own, Ann realized that no sanctuary could be large enough.  Established in 2000 and active in several east coast states, Phoenix Landing has developed into an extensive network of volunteers to facilitate the foster and adoption for parrots, and hosts a robust education program about parrot care to improve the quality-of-life for parrots in captivity.  The organization also seeks to protect wild parrots by supporting a variety of research, conservation and eco-tourism projects.  A passionate advocate, Ann knows that parrots can be victims of indigenous trapping and unscrupulous sellers more interested in making a dollar than in preparing bird and human alike for a long and complicated life together.  However, and just as importantly, many parrots in loving and capable homes will need a new one simply because they live a long time, and parrots require more care than many people are able to provide long-term.  Her goal is to insure that the Phoenix Landing Foundation will be sustainable for decades to come, so that parrots like her Phoenix will always have a safe place to land.  Phoenix Landing recently opened it's first adoption and education center in Alexander, NC, where Ann hopes to develop several aspects of "The Landing" to include a a national adoption and education facility, conference center, free-flight refuge, and a destination point for those who love parrots.

Juan Carlos Cantu Guzman, Director of Programs, Defenders of Wildlife, Mexico Office

A law school graduate, Juan Carlos also studied biology at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. He joined Defenders of Wildlife in 2002, bringing his expertise in Mexican environmental politics and policy, as well as his extensive knowledge of sea turtle conservation, wildlife trade and parrot conservation. He directs and implements all programs of the Mexico office of Defenders of Wildlife. Juan Carlos is also a co-founder of the non-governmental organization Teyeliz, AC, a non-profit conservation organization working towards eliminating the illegal trafficking of parrots in Mexico. In 2007, Juan Carlos published a landmark report on the illegal parrot trade and its effects on Mexico's 22 parrot species that was later used by the Mexican Congress to ban all trade in parrots. His efforts helped to add many endangered species of parrots, including the yellow-crested cockatoo and the blue-headed macaw, to Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Juan Carlos has been fighting the illegal parrot trade for more than ten years, and is widely considered Mexico's foremost expert in the field.

Maria Elena Sanchez Saldana, President, Teyeliz, AC

One of the co-authors (along with Juan Carlos Cantu Guzman) of a landmark 2007 report on the illegal Mexican parrot trade, Maria Elena is a long-time supporter of species conservation in Mexico. The "Illegal Parrot Trade in Mexico: A Comprehensive Assessment" provided crucial scientific data enabling the Mexican government in 2008 to legislate a ban in all trade in parrots. A biologist, Maria Elena is co-founder (in 1995) and president of Teyeliz, AC, a non-governmental organization committed to conservation of Mexican biodiversity, and a key player in the battle against the illegal parrot trade. Maria Elena worked at PROFEPA (Environmental General Attorney Office), where she initiated the CITES program of inspection at seaports and airports in Mexico. She has been a member of the official Mexican delegation at several CITES meetings. Maria Elena is also the Coordinator of the Regional Bureau of Central and South America and the Caribbean of the Species Survival Network. Maria Elena believes that the key to protecting future generations of parrots lies in changing attitudes - "if wild parrots are to survive, then people must stop buying them."

Wendy Huntbatch, President, World Parrot Refuge

Founder of the World Parrot Refuge, located in Coombs, British Columbia, Wendy Huntbatch is a vocal and passionate advocate for all parrots. An ever-growing surplus of unwanted pet parrots compelled Wendy to establish the "For the Love Of Parrots Refuge Society" in 1993, which operates the World Parrot Refuge, providing a "home for life" for previously owned parrots. Wendy, originally from England, is also Vice-president, International Relations, of Phoenix Landing, North Carolina, a not-for-profit organization that advocates for both captive and wild parrots. In 2004, Wendy's commitment to homeless parrots led her to spend her life savings purchasing 20 acres of land to build the present world-class facility. From humble beginnings, the Refuge now hosts over 700 parrots, who enjoy free-flight compounds, a hospital unit and special care unit for permanently disabled birds. Providing a voice for Canada's homeless parrots, Wendy lobbies government and corporations alike, tirelessly fundraising on behalf of the forgotten. She also spends countless hours speaking on the plight of captive parrots, hoping to educate the next generation about the unsuitability of parrots as pets.

Location

2010 Making A Difference Conference will be held at the Bayside Hotel, in beautiful Parksville, British Columbia. Give them a call at (250) 248-8333 or 1-800-663-4232 for their special Making A Difference Conference reduced rates.

Conference Agenda in Brief

Friday, May 21: Meet the Speakers

Saturday, May 22: Speakers with 2 coffee breaks and 1 lunch break

A Banquet will be held on Saturday night with a fabulous auction to raise funds for conservation and the World Parrot Refuge.

Sunday, May 23: Speakers with 2 coffee breaks and 1 lunch break

Conference Agenda Details:

Registration:

Friday:  3.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Saturday: 7.30 am - 5.00 pm

Vendors Displays - Ongoing from Friday  (3.00 pm set up)

Silent Auction & Raffle - Ongoing

Friday May 21st

7 pm - 9.30 pm: Meet The Speakers.  Coffee, tea and pastries available.


Saturday May 22nd

9am to 9.30 am:  Pastries, coffee and tea
9.30 am to 9.45 am:  Introduction and welcome  - Wendy Huntbatch
9.45 am to 10.30 am:  Steve Milpacher - World Parrot Trust
10.30 am to 10.50 am:  Coffee break
10.50 am to 11.30 am:  Rosemary Low  - Yellow-eared Parrot and other Colombian success stories
11.35 am to 12.15 pm:  Juan Carlos Cantu - Defenders of Wildlife, Mexico
12.15 pm to 1.15pm:   Lunch
1.15 pm to 2.00 pm:  Dr. Stewart Metz. - Indonesian Parrot Project
2.05 pm to 2.50 pm:  Sam Williams - Yellow Shouldered Amazon Project
2.50 pm to 3.30 pm:  Coffee break
3.30 pm to 4.15 pm:  Andelphine Mason - Brown  UK representative of the Indonesian Parrot Project
4.20 pm to 5.00 pm:   Question and answer period with speakers


Saturday Night @ 7.00 pm: Banquet, Auction & Fun!


Sunday May 23rd

9.00 am to 9.30 am:  Pastries , coffee and tea
9.30 am to 10.15 am:  Sam Williams - Reintroduction into the Wild
10.20 am to 10 50 am:  Wendy Huntbatch - World Parrot Refuge
10.50 am to 11.15 am:  Coffee break
11.20 am to 12.05 am:  Rosemary Low - Pyrrhura Conures: Fieldwork, Science & Aviculture
12.10 am to 1.10 pm:  Lunch
1.10 am to 1.55 pm:  Ann Brooks  - Phoenix Landing
2 pm to 2.45 pm:  Maria Elena Sanchez - Teyeliz Mexico
2.50 pm to 3.30 pm:  Juan Carlos Cantu - Defenders of Wildlife
3.33 pm to 4.00 pm:  Coffee break
4.05 pm to 4.50 pm:  Steve Milpacher - World Parrot Trust
4.50 pm:   Thanks  - Wendy Huntbatch

We're thrilled to announce the winners of the Valentine's Day Romantic Raffle, which was drawn today. The tickets were drawn by none other than Valentine, who was happy to lend his skills to his namesake's day.

The winners are:

1st prize: Cory Seebach
2nd prize: Anne Robson
3rd prize: Grace Evans

Congratulations to the winners, and our deep gratitude to everyone who purchased tickets, and to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to sell tickets.

The following report comes from Grant Corriveau, who was instrumental in orchestrating the volunteers and making the raffle the success it was. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and we wish everyone to know our extreme gratitude for their efforts. Grant reports:

The top of the 'Thanks' list has to go to Doug Jones who organized the prizes, sold (by far) the most tickets, and helped tirelessly at the malls with chauffeuring parrots, talking to the public, explaining the WPR's mission, and selling more raffle tickets! He was aided and abetted by his wife, Val, who was the main parrot wrangler, coordinating which parrots were available and transporting them to the malls, along with the necessary support gear (food, water, towels, towels, and more towels to clean up, parrot snacks, etc...). Courtnay helped a lot at the various malls, and also with moving parrots - especially her buddy, Valentine. And of course Anne & Larry Neil contributed a lot of time and effort. Stephanie Martin and a friend (Jennifer?) helped all day one Saturday at Woodgrove. Also Miranda and Patrick helped out at Country Club Mall. Still others helped with local ticket sales and support (too numerous to mention, but nonetheless valued and held in great appreciation by us all).

The feathered friends who spent many hours interacting with and charming the crowds were mainly Sydney, Nikki, Lunar, Little Peaches, Kelley, and Spirit also helped out one day with Stephanie. And of course Valentine, who was the loudest of all and called folks in from the far ends of the malls to let them know he was there! So, of course he got to make the draw for the Valentine's Day raffle.

Wendy, of course, had to do the legal stuff with the B.C. Gaming Commission to obtain the raffle licence and arrange the insurance documents, etc, to allow us to be present at the malls. She still has some paperwork to fill in before it's all finished for her.

Our volunteer group did a great job of working together on a large project like this for the first time. I hope we will continue to see growth of this group in both numbers and team-work.

With ticket sales and some cash donations given during the campaign, we raised just over $8,000! There has also been an increase in visitors over the last few weekends apparently. Another positive spin-off!

A little ditty from lovely Lindi:

Date: March 3, 2010

Location: Supermarket in Toronto, Ontario www.supermarkettoronto.com.

The musical acts for the evening include:

Sara Kamin
Mandipaal Jandu
The FrameWork
Emma-Lee
The Donefors
Dylan Murray
Lindi Ortega

For more details, visit the Facebook Event page.

Follow up:

Many, many thanks to Lindi Ortega, a singer/songwriter from Toronto, who has so generously organized this wonderful evening of music.

As she puts it, she's "a crazy bird lady, storm chasin', red lipstick, red boot wearin', guitar slinging, singer/songwriter gal". And we have to add: owner of a huge heart!

From Lindi's bio on her website:

With one foot in the outsider troubadour camp best exemplified by Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and Leonard Cohen, and another in the old school country integrity of Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, Lindi Ortega fuses both these influences with gifted observation on her first single, "Dying Of Another Broken Heart". Linda Ortega's knack for narrative imagery can be heard on "All My Friends", a spirited acoustic number that finds her personifying numerous vices and vocalizing some poignant irony.

The compelling and reality-challenged "Black Fly" and the itinerant “Drifter” round out on appetite-whetting The Drifter E.P., a precursor to a full length Lindi Ortega CD due later this summer. The four songs offer a slice-of-life-honesty that is as organic as Lindi's self-evolved talent. Since signing to Cherrytree, Lindi Ortega has played SXSW, performed in the U.K. and North America and opened for James Blunt, Ray Davies and Noah and The Whale.

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.