During a difficult time in life, I once more had to move my birds. I couldn’t find anyone to help with the physical move. The people that had my birds were closing down, & had absolutely no interest. There were storms brewing, literally. Debbie realized this from facebook postings & reached out to me. She helped tremendously by organizing my birds, & moving them safely to her sanctuary. This was no small undertaking. I live out of state & relied heavily on Debbie to get my birds to safety. She was & always will be a God send, to the birds first & foremost, but also to the people that love their birds, & sometimes when they are down, she’s there to help pick up the pieces & get their beloved birds to sanctuary.
I had adopted many birds from Birds of Paradise. My (babies) birds have made me extremely happy. My last were in 2012. I lost a few that went over the Rainbow Bridge. My last was Smokey, my African Grey. Smokey was 12 years old. It took me 5 years to correct her vocabulary but we got it done Smokey loves to play and talk and my cockatiels are a joy. Also thank you so much Debby Birds of Paradise. Bye-bye
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This is the greatest Sanctuary! We have adopted several birds from here. This a very very caring Sanctuary and Rescue. Every thing they do are for the care and comfort of the birds in their care. Debbie H. Makes sure ate birds are safe, fed the right foods and are given all the careful and correct care they need and deserve. When a bird is adopted,the new parents are completely educated on their proper care and handling of their new birds. If you want to support an excellent Sanctuary and Rescue, this the one to help.
I can't even begin to thank Debbie for receiving our cockatiel. This place is INCREDIBLE, all the birds are sooo happy there. The love and dedication Debbie has for these birds is amazing.
Thank you Debbie for having such a wonderful place these birds call home.
My family and I are planning on making regular donations and volunteering.
❤Bernardette
As a volunteer for the summer, I saw the big heart Debbie has for the birds. She also helps other rescues by bringing food and taking sick birds to the vet that weren't being care for. We also went on a rescue to a house. The person was unwilling to give up the birds. But then for a price he did. Where some rescues require a donation to take in a bird, Debbie has paid to rescue a bird. She went out during storms to make sure her birds were covered. She truly loves them.
Terrible person who runs this. Bounces checks to vendors and others. She was previously convicted of this already in another state. Water from well was contaminated and birds were still being given it as drinking water and director knew it.
Please, please, please, never ever give this dump your bird. The woman who runs it has a long criminal record, and she has no means of support other than donations meant for the birds. Sick birds, injured birds, rodents and other vermin she has run off most volunteers and yet brags about suing other true rescues that have saved birds she left sick, injured, and uncared for. She has not filed a tax return since 1016 and is not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit as a result. No one knows how much money she takes in or how she spends it, other than the birds needs seem to come if there is anything left after she's spent on herself. Please, do no tbuy into her scam, and please never, ever let any more birds go to her.
THE FEDERAL TAX EXEMPT STATUS FOR THIS ORGANIZATION HAS BEEN REVOKED!!!!!
MY QUESTION: IS THIS BEING RUN AS A LEGITIMATE 501C3 NON-PROFIT? According to the Federal Government that status had been revoked and I see no indication that it has been reinstated at the time of this posting. The Full link to the IRS webpage is below.
Birds Of Paradise Sanctuary & Rescue Inc
EIN: 45-3674500 | Bradenton, FL, United States
Organizations whose federal tax exempt status was automatically revoked for not filing a Form 990-series return or notice for three consecutive years. Important note: Just because an organization appears on this list, it does not mean the organization is currently revoked, as they may have been reinstated.
Exemption Type: 501(c)(3)
Exemption Reinstatement Date:
Revocation Date: 05-15-2020
Revocation Posting Date: 08-11-2020
https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/displayAll.do?dispatchMethod=displayAllInfo&Id=3265028&ein=453674500&country=US&deductibility=all&dispatchMethod=searchAll&isDescending=false&city=&ein1=45-3674500&postDateFrom=&exemptTypeCode=al&submitName=Search&sortColumn=orgName&totalResults=1&names=&resultsPerPage=25&indexOfFirstRow=0&postDateTo=&state=All+States
As a potential donor/sponsor, I wanted to do a site visit and tried to contact them multiple times but they never responded. My experience with this organization has been negative.
I also came across some Facebook Groups with severe and heartbreaking criticism of Birds of Paradise Sanctuary. (Refer to Facebook Groups: Plight of the Parrots and Parrot Rescue MythBusters). I will let you make your own conclusion and have posted those links below.
FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/PlightoftheParrots/
FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community/Parrot-Rescue-Myth-Busters-1649692871936997/
I feed the birds 1 day about every other week but will make it weekly when I retire. These birds were once loving pets that people had to surrender for one reason or another. They are well taken care of, the birds that were tamed are rehomed in the adoption center and the others have a permanent home in the sanctuary. They are so interesting once you get to know the individual birds. Helping this sanctuary brings me great personal joy.
Our Zazu has been with Birds of Paradise for 7 years now. Debbie has been taking of her and loving her unconditionally. We are very happy to have her at Birds of Paradise!
My wife and I have been volunteering here for 4 years. The love and care the birds receive is exemplary. Some of the birds are from horrible situations and we have been privileged to watch them overcome that and become part of a flock. They have a real life now. Our fellow volunteers are a group of amazing people who truly love what they are doing. Debbie is a warm, caring person who helps every bird she can. She is incredibly knowledgeable and we learn new things about the birds every time we come out
I have been a volunteer for 4 years. I love it every time I go out. The joy that these lost souls have found it contagious. The birds are so happy to live amongst their own kid and be as free as possible, but still be safe.
Many of the birds enjoy engaging with you during feeding time or if you bring snacks.
The birds are all loved and vet checked.
Debbie Huckaby is one of the most amazing women I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Her knowledge is extensive and she cares for each and every souls in the rescue.
Bird Of Paradise (BOPs, for short) is a sanctuary for birds. This non-profit is mainly a safe place for birds who no longer have a home, are no longer wanted by their owners or have been neglected or abused. The outdoor aviaries are large and well tended and house birds that really just want to be birds; they fly, preen and live in peace in a safe space. There are, of course, those birds that are human friendly and want to be with their person and the Executive Director, Debbie Huckaby, facilitates adoptions for those birds. All in all, there are many birds that have a place to just be birds here and that is a very uplifting message to those who support bird conservation and rescue.
BOPS is wonderful! Debbie will take in any homeless bird and try to get them placed or provide a good home. She works tirelessly for these beautiful creatures and I’m so thankful. I had the privilege to be a volunteer at BOPS for almost a year and I still would be if I hadn’t moved away.
Debbie and the BOPS team does a fantastic job in rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds. The organization, under her leadership, has great passion and makes an incredible contribution to our wildlife, the environment and our community.
A few years ago I had some cages and bird stuff: cups toys etc to donate and I drove to BOPS to deliver them. I got a nice tour of the facility and a good idea of their great work and needs. I do support them financially when I can. They are a great asset to this area and have rescued many birds in a variety of tragic circumstances. They truly make a difference.
I have traveled the U.S. extensively checking out the bird stores and sanctuaries and rescues. Birds of Paradise is by far the most diverse and more than adequate environment to provide the unwanted birds of just about all species a place to finally call home. This facility has large flight aviaries, temperature controlled natural environments section out for the different species. Debbie Huckaby and her team are doing what God has called them to do which is care for those that can not care for themselves. The dedication, love and selfless 24/7 commitment to make sure these over 350 feathered loved ones are receiving proper nourishment, natural environmental stimulation as well as human bonding is unprecedented. God bless you Birds of Paradise.
Debbie and her volunteers are ready 24/7 to help birds in need. She goes the extra mile to ensure the birds in her care are happy, well fed, have enrichment toys and are well cared for and safe.
Best rescue EVER! Happy, healthy birds that are very loved and well taken care of. Very spacious aviaries outdoors with fresh air and sunshine. Thank you BOPS for being so awesome!
Ms Debbie and her rescue are angels for doing what they do! She saved our neighborhood Peahen and gave her a home with a family like her! She is doing amazing things and working hard for so many animals and humans!! We can’t thank you enough!
If you love birds, and those who care for them, this is the most important sanctuary you will ever support.
Debbie takes such incredible care of ALL the birds at this sanctuary. She provides them with a natural environment without predators and medical care when needed. She is so passionate about the welfare of parrots. The sanctuary is divided by breed and personality type which makes it great for all the parrots that live there.
She took in our Umbrella Cockatoo and he has thrived there with the other cockatoos in the sanctuary he is in!!
Thank you Debbie!!!
I am leaving to go back to the uk and I could not take my African Grey back with me.I contacted BOP sanctuary and they called to pick her up and take her home. I am soooooh grateful for this, and I thankyou from the bottom of my heart xxxxxxx
Birds of paradise helped me immensely. I had a yellow nape amazon for 40 years He was my best friend. He was used to living with other parrots and I could not adopt another , he was self mutilating his feet from anxiety. Birds of Paradise stepped up and took him. He lived in an open aviary and is so happy and no longer biting his feet up. They take such good care of him. Chopped fruit and veggies every day fresh nuts. Please donate to help pay for saving these birds. I’m saving for another big donation now. They rescue and save birds from dire situations. Volunteer to go feed or care for them it is awesome. Please share awesome organization. Your $$ are tax deductible !
I have known Debbie for many years. Her passion for birds has turned into a 24/7 endeavor. She takes in the abused, unwanted, homeless. Everything she does is for them. She adopts out those that can be so they have a second chance to be in a living home. she has my respect and support!
I recently had a friend pass, and what to do with his bird?
So, I called Birds of Paradise, and dropped the bird off.
You could SEE in the ladies actions, her care and concern for this bird. She calmed it down.
I have all the praise for this place.
John P. Bradenton.
She does not own it. Others purchased the property. She lives there free with no visible means of income other than donations that should go to the birds. If you support this, you are supporting a felon. It's public record. Please research before giving your money to any organization.
Debbie Huckaby and Birds of Paradise are both amazing! She started from NOTHING and in a short period of time has been able to realize her dream of helping so many birds to be sure they are now in a forever home!!!! She is one of the most caring persons I know, and gives everything of herself to be sure she can help as many birds as she can. She has taught me, personally, so much more than I knew, and in turn I can reach out now and help others, even in a small way. She will NOT adopt out any bird unless that new home is totally, fully vetted!!! I respect her tremendously for all she has done and will continue to do. I wish we had more people like her, really, truly willing to do EVERYTHING for the birds!
Birds of Paradise Sanctuary Owner/Operator Debbie Huckabee is not only the most caring and knowledgeable person on avian welfare but she lives and breathes for the all animal welfare. She has been sure, she will be the voice of the voiceless. I have had the pleasure of volunteering at BOPS and her flights are truly amazing, allowing, once pets the best feeling of freedom a bird in captivity can know and that is flight. I highly recommend BOPS!