Introduction
The Island Parrot Sanctuary exists today thanks to a beautiful Blue and Gold Macaw. He was only eight years old yet he had lived in innumerable homes. His full history was unknown but it became readily apparent that he had been abused. Possibly as a result of this abuse he suffered severe mental problems. Until he entered my life I did not know the amount of abuse that parrots suffer. It hurt me to my very soul when I realised that he was not unique, so many other birds were suffering a similar fate. When I tried to find out more about parrot behaviour, behavioural problems, health problems, diet and care, I realised that there wasn’t much information out there. I knew then that I had to try and help and that is what I continue to do. Word quickly spread that I worked with problem parrots and I soon found myself with more and more birds. The volume of calls, letters and emails I received weekly from people demonstrated that there was a need for information and education regarding the needs of parrots. We were self-funded for seven years but now The Island Parrot Sanctuary is a registered charity (SCO 41254). Our mission is to offer permanent sanctuary to companion parrots. We aim to promote parrot welfare by increasing public awareness on all aspects of parrot care. Through education we will reduce cruelty and suffering and promote realistic expectations regarding parrot ownership. The sanctuary also acts as an educational and scientific resource centre for vets and others working in the field of rescue. The stories of some of the birds here would break even the toughest heart. Some of them suffer conditions such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Some are physically and emotionally crippled. There is no doubt in my mind that The Island Parrot Sanctuary has saved many birds’ lives. The parrots here are well fed, well housed and loved. They are encouraged to be birds; to live in flocks, to exhibit normal parrot behaviours and to forage to find food. We work with them in an attempt to improve their health, quality of life and behaviour. We continue to work with them using a combination of cognitive therapy, positive reinforcement and distraction and stimulation techniques.
The majority of people who have birds love them. Parrots are wonderful, naturally intelligent creatures; this is both their beauty and their downfall. The cheeky nature that initially endeared the owner often becomes a source of frustration. Tolerance levels of owners vary greatly. It is a fact that coping with an adult parrot’s behaviour can test even the most patient person to their limit! A high proportion of people give up on their parrots when they reach sexual maturity at around five years old. Owners simply did not know what types of behaviours were normal for an adult bird. Parrot keeping is new when compared in relative terms to cats and dogs. There is so much more that we need to learn about these magnificent birds. Parrots are far more complex than most other pets as they are essentially wild animals. Dogs have lived as domesticated animals for thousands of years. Parrots retain the emotional needs and instincts of the wild. They need affection, mental stimulation and exercise in correct balance. We hope that by sharing our experiences people will learn about the emotional, dietary and physical needs of parrots.
So what happens to unwanted parrots?
In some cases they are euthanised, placed in breeding situations, released outdoors, given to zoos and rescue centres, entered into the re-homing cycle or abused or neglected. This is simply because their owners could not cope.
The sanctuary houses over 60 birds, these birds will live with us for the rest of their natural lives. Some of our birds were loved deeply by their owners but a change in circumstances has meant they are no longer able to care for them. In other instances the bird has decided that he/she no longer wants to live with people. Each bird has its own story; some have been abused, neglected and fed an inadequate diet. We have birds here with missing feet and wings as they have been physically abused. Others have been treated so badly that they have gaping wounds in their skin where they have started to self-harm. A few birds suffer post-traumatic stress disorder and sadly others have brain damage as a result of abuse. Parrot abuse often goes unnoticed, as it is committed behind closed doors in the privacy of someone’s home. There are birds here that have been intentionally abused but the vast majority of owners just do not realise the commitment involved with these wonderful creatures. Abuse is not always intentional and we desperately need to raise awareness so we can redress this.
Breeding parrots in captivity is creating this problem; hand rearing is creating confused and self abusing parrots. Most of the birds in the sanctuary all wear a breeders ring. We are positive that if the people who bred these birds were to see the condition they are in when they arrive at the sanctuary they would be horrified. Most breeders who care about their birds try to follow up on their birds' off spring, but sadly this is not always the case. In the USA in 2005 1.9 million parrots were handed into sanctuaries, we do not want this to be the case in the UK. In an ideal world we would not be breeding these birds.
Our job is difficult yet incredibly rewarding. Every single day the birds astound us with their progress. The workload and costs are an increasing worry and problem. We desperately need more financial and voluntary assistance. The sanctuary, a registered charity with all workers doing so on a voluntary basis, relies entirely on donations. Every day it takes hours to feed, clean, entertain and care for the birds. With the current financial climate we have suffered a reduction in donations. If you feel you can offer any support, or have any fundraising ideas then please contact us.
Thank you.
Yvonne MacMillan
(Founder member)
