An Introduction
Project Perry / The Central Virginia Parrot Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and sanctuary of parrots living in captivity. Our primary mission is to provide exceptional natural environments for our residents where they can enjoy the enrichment of flight and the togetherness of flock with excellent care provided by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Parrots and other exotic birds represent the largest population of captive wildlife in the U.S., and the need to protect them continues to grow. Our impact extends beyond our residents through outreach and education - helping to improve the lives of birds everywhere.
What We Need
Last year you helped us raise over $6,000 toward the construction of a new Conure Aviary ( http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-home-for-parrots/x/556129 )
Now that the Conure Aviary's construction is coming to an end and its residents moving in shortly, it's time to begin construction on a new project!
This new aviary is specifically for African Grey Parrots. With our original 3,600 sq.ft. African Grey Aviary full, we are building a second (smaller) one designed with our more "handicapped" African Greys in mind. The new aviary will provide long-term care for those who cannot fly or cannot fly well. These tend to be just as wild-at-heart as their fully flighted relatives and are in need of a similar environment.
With your help, we can continue construction with the purchase and installation of the steel frame and roof. The stone foundation is already in place (see the photo in the gallery tab).
This new aviary is 1,250 sq.ft.
Most of our African Grey Residents are older wild-caught ex-breeder birds. These are not birds that have spent their lives as pets. They were trapped in Africa either as adults or babies and shipped to the U.S. where they served as breeder birds for 2, 3 and sometimes 4 decades. Some are voluntarily retired while others come from cruelty cases. To read a story about one such couple, Ollie & Tallis, check out page 2 of our annual appeal: http://www.projectperry.com/docs/Appeal_Letterhead_Final.pdf
Ollie & Tallis both have severe and likely permanent damage to their primary flight feather folicles. This was caused by thrashing about in their small cages as breeder birds prior to rescue. As wild animals, their fear of humans caused the panicked thrashing. While they are learning to trust more here, they are still two of our more cautious birds. Not being able to fly like the others puts them at a disadvantage, so an aviary just for them plus others like them is needed.
The Impact
Parrots live a long time - up to 80+ years for some of the larger species. African Greys may live anywhere between 40-60 years on average. Their natural instincts such as destructive chewing and vocalizations can make them very difficult to keep as pets in most people's homes. Often times these parrots are rehomed many times throughout their lives and unfortunately may end up in neglectful or abusive situations.
We specialize in providing Sanctuary to older wild-caught ex-breeder African Greys - many of whom will live in this new aviary.
The Sanctuary continues to provide a safe place for parrots in need. Your help with this project will allow us to move forward and establish a natural and enriching environment for them to share with a flock of their own kind.
For additional reading about the work we do and the importance of the Sanctuary, check out this new feature article about the captive bird issue: http://www.humanesociety.org/news/magazines/2013/03-04/no-fly-zone-millions-of-pet-parrots-lead-bleak-lonely-lives.html#id=album-181&num=content-3272
