We are so excited to announce our new Donation Can program!

Many thanks to Gary who provided the incentive for this program by asking if the refuge had donation cans. I said not right now...but we'd get some! The past week has been spent getting the cans, designing the labels, receiving feedback, printing the labels and assembling the cans.

Gary has now taken 25 cans to distribute around the Surrey/Delta areas of the Lower Mainland, BC, and has plans to visit vets and other appropriate venues.

If you would like to help out with our new Donation Can program as a distributor, or have contacts in organizations and/or businesses that would be willing to "host" a can, please contact Cheryl. There are currently 25 cans left to be distributed.

Thank you!

Follow up:

Getting the cans ready to go.

Many thanks to these Businesses who have accepted cans into their stores:

British Columbia
Petland - Langley
Just for Birds - Cloverdale
Rogers Aquatic on Scott Road - Surrey
Kennedy Heights Animal & Bird Hospital
Pet Solutions  6447 120th Street - Delta
Puppies, Fish & Critters  7019 120th Street - Delta
K & K Pet Foods 9516 120th Street - Surrey
Pet Solutions 10616 King George Hwy - Surrey
I.d Salon 202-9188 Glover Rd - Fort Langley
K & K Pet Foods (Impact Plaza) 125-15280-101 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              125-15280-101      end_of_the_skype_highlighting Avenue - Surrey
Bosley's (Fleetwood) #106-15428- Fraser Hwy - Surrey
Star Pets, only in Fleetwood Park Village #508-15950 Fraser Hwy - Surrey
Killarney Animal Hospital 2649 East 49th Avenue - Vancouver
Alpine Animal Hospital 348 - 6th Street - New Westminster

Update July 6, 2010: Thank you so much, everyone! All you wonderful "friends of parrots" have been so fantastic and generous that we've got everyone back to work again. It is truly with your support that we are able to continue helping the over 800 birds here.  Thank you so very, very much!

--------

17 MORE PEOPLE FACE THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINE: LOSS OF BC GAMING GRANT DEVASTATES THE PARROT SANCTUARY.

The closing of 2 large rescue organizations in Canada in the last 2 years has dramatically increased the flow of parrots to the World Parrot Refuge in Coombs, BC, which is now housing more than 800 birds. The loss of the BC Government Gaming Grant has almost crippled this organization.

With the generosity of loving people and the fund raising ventures of volunteers and staff, the sanctuary has kept its head above water - until now. We need to raise about $30k to get through till the tourist season is under way. Tourism season puts us back in the black for a few months and gives us the chance to apply for grants.

We need the hard working, caring staff to provide this loving home to these previously owned pet parrots and aging ex-breeding birds. Our staff work for just above minimum wage and add hours of volunteer labor because of their devotion to the birds they love.

Now they face the unemployment line.

If the government had used common sense, they could see that it is far cheaper to donate $100k of the Gaming Funds to this charity instead of now having to pay out EI funds. The job market on Vancouver Island is bleak to say the least. To be able to provide steady employment to 17 people is a great help to the economy. These people have families and they spend money. The loss of their jobs will not only devastate them, but will cause great hardship for those of us who volunteer to care for the parrots.

The government gladly takes the tax money from the sale of parrots to the public. Happily grabs tax money from each and every sale of cages, toys and bird food, but bears no responsibility for the problems associated with a trade that should not even exist.

We add a great venue to the tourism industry and provide tax dollars to the government. We want to be open for the upcoming tourist season, but we need the funding to make this possible.

If you are able to help sponsor our staff until tourist season begins, we would be most grateful. The birds depend on our staff, and without them we won't be able to give them the type of care that is needed to provide a Home For Life.

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.

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.

On March 3rd, the World Parrot Refuge was the recipient of a wonderful benefit concert orchestrated by Toronto singer-songwriter, Lindi Ortega.  Lindi is an avid supporter of the Refuge, and organized the benefit which featured many talented and generous local musicians.  Wendy was invited to attend, and she returned with rave reviews and wonderful memories.

From Wendy:

The Benefit Concert was amazing.  The people involved are all professional singer/songwriters and/or bands.  They donated their time and work to raise funds for the Parrot Refuge - and they didn't even know who we were.  John, the sound guy, worked all night - he is brilliant.  The room at the Supermarket was donated by the owners for the concert.  I just cannot get over how much was done by these people because they care for other living beings. 

The location will be in my memory for years.  It was like being transported back to the Hippie Era.  The whole street was definitely 'different'.  It was way after 2am when I left, and the streets were full of people.  Coombs closes everything at 9pm!

The concert raised a fantastic $625.  Lindi worked so hard to get this organized, and believe me:  it went as smooth as cream - not even one hitch.  We even have a new contact who will be a halfway house for surrendered parrots in the Toronto area.  This concert has opened the eyes of many and has given us more exposure than we could have dreamed of.  And we have Lindi as a friend and supporter for life.  She is a true parrot person.

The World Parrot Refuge would like to sincerely thank Lindi and her friends, The Supermarket, and everyone else who helped make this such a special evening.  And for all music fans out there, do take a moment to check these musicians out.  They are all wonderful, talented, good-hearted people!

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

The Supermarket, Toronto

Thank you all, so much!

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!

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.