I have a gift shop that I like to use to help parrot rescues. But with the recent publicity regarding rescues that may not be good for the birds or completely aboveboard, I felt I had to pick several quality ones to investigate and be sure they met my expectations for what I'd like to see in a rescue. Not only did Florida Parrot Rescue meet those expectations but exceeded them. I am pleased and honored to endorse them and help them raise funds for their operation. They are managed well, their standards are sound, and their fostering system helps ensure that facilities never get overcrowded. Their management truly operates with a love of parrots and goes the extra mile to ensure that potential adopters are ready for life with a parrot. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone in the area looking for a parrot to adopt or someone looking for a good, worthy place to put their money.
It bothers me that this rescue will judge you on the number of other pets you have. I have a German shepherd and I was immediately disqualified from adoption.
I adopted another Macaw in need and both Shep and Blue are the very best of friends. I was very lucky to find this Macaw that needed rescue before the Florida Parrot Rescue got its grubby hands on it or anyone else's money.
The rescues are overflowing with birds that need adoption; however, this Rescue are beggars and choosers.
After 7 years as a volunteer with this charity, I'm choosing to go now. I don't want to be affiliated with a nonprofit that lies & uses dishonesty - especially against their donors who believe they're doing right. There are just too many people out of control for me to stay any longer & I will never have anything positive to say about their policies & so many of their officers reactions to issues thru the years. It's as if these "officers" with the charity get swelled heads. They act without gathering the truth. They make decisions about others without gathering the full story & I've seen it happen year after year. This past week it happened to me. I became the enemy. I stood next to a local avian Vet that lied to them on the phone. When the first charity rep he called (the founder of FPR) said "NO" to him...he called someone else (he didn't even know WHO to call - whose fault is that?) and LIED to them. He "embellished" the bird's behaviors (he saw the bird for 5 minutes a week before) to get his $130.00 lab work done. Then LIED to me. Little did I know behind my back as I sat in his office - he falsely reported I was the reason the bird was sick. Nevermind he gave this bird's companion, an African Grey Timeah - flying colors of health a week prior. This sick bird was picked up from a police station where it was collected in a drug house raid. For 6 months THREE FPR coordinators IGNORED ME & THESE 2 BIRDS. I begged for a new cage. And I never got approval to take the birds to the Vet till one coordinator realized she dropped me for 6 months. Then I became the problem. I couldn't drop everything & do their bidding instantly. After 7 years of giving my heart to these hard to handle, out of contol birds, and I was respondible for many happy adoptions, I get treated as such. I also kept birds NO ONE WANTED for longer than 5 years. One I had to lay down on his back to bathe every other day as he had a prolapsed bottom. I had cage failures that caused deaths twice by my dogs. Those 2 souls will haunt me all my days. But I gave my heart & soul to these birds and during a rough time in my life, I was tricked by these 2018 officers. Lied to by their Vet. Adopt from ANYONE else but these people. I'm not done. The full truth will be told.
I was interested in adopting a particular bird from them and still am! But am in need of a bit more experience with that birds species. (Severe macaws.) Sometimes they can be just as challenging as bigger sized macaws just in a smaller package and to not overwhelm me, I have decided to gain experience through volunteering at a local rescue (Miss Vicki's Parrot Village.) Since I am as well out of state, but hope to be moving back to Florida--Im a native Floridian. Also, I am a minor and the person I talked to was Joanne Wood--she is such a lovely lady overall! Put up with all my questions and wasn't hesitant about telling me if I had anymore to just hit her up. As well was told not to give up adopting the bird I wish to just because of the current circumstances and I told I can't wait to work with you!
Their motto says it all: Don't shop, Adopt!
Giving companion parrots a new lease on life, and giving parronts plenty of advice and support.
Awesome organization! They do not just give away birds to anyone who thinks they want a bird that talks. They are very thorough in reviewing applications of anyone that is interested in adopting.
Love this group! They are in rescue for the right reasons! They also carefully review those who foster and adopt because they want the best for the parrots! I am so glad to be a part of this group because they NEVER give up on any parrot....medical or behaviorally and so many times those parrots have bounced back and become the best animals they could be :)
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I saw Florida Parrot Rescue on petfinder and was amazed at all of the animals they had available. When I did some more research, they seemed like one of the best around so I submitted my application to foster. Not only are they rigorous on who can foster (which is great for the well being of these birds) but once you are you are treated like family. I just received my first little foster and have gotten support from EVERYONE in this rescue. I truly have enjoyed my short experience with them and cannot wait to foster more animals and help support our great cause for the good of these amazing creatures!
When I first met the people of this organization about 5 years ago I knew they were and continue to be a wonderful group of people. From the president to each volunteer the focus is ONLY doing what is right and best for the birds that come into the rescue. A better group can't be found.
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I have been a volunteer for over 3 yrs and I couldn't be prouder of the people I have met and worked with in this group. Each and everyone of them have given so much of themselves to benefit the health, safety and wellbeing of birds in Florida and other states in the USA. I don't think you could find a more deserving non profit. Thanks for letting me help!
When I first moved to Florida, I wanted to learn more about parrots and found Florida Parrot Rescue on the internet. I really liked their website and decided to email for more information. Someone conatcted me promptly and explained the volunteer process, even helped me over the phone to get started. After having contact with several other volunteers, I came to the conclusion that not only is Florida Parrot Rescue a large organization, but that they are run like a well-organized company - just without the paid employees. The dedication and professionalism of the officers is top notch as is the dedication and tireless efforts of the volunteers. These people really care about the birds they are taking into the rescue and finding loving, responsible homes for. Time and time again I have seen countless volunteers (including the officers) travel great distances over Florida and beyond to transport parrots to their new homes, into the rescue or to the vet for an emergency visit. Countless hours have also been spent educating the public and assisting with behavioral issues. I am proud to serve as a volunteer myself and would highly recommend Florida Parrot Rescue to anyone interested in adopting a parrot or volunteering for a noble charity. They are truly making a difference in the lives of the birds they help and the people who have been forever changed by their efforts. My adopted parrots, Kizzy and Danny and I applaud them!
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Florida Parrot Rescue has been a great place to volunteer my time. The dedication of my co-volunteers - almost all of whom I have never personally met - has been amazing. So many parrots come into rescue each year and there is always a waiting list. I have seen volunteers drive for hours just to pick up a bird (or several!) who needed help and fosters step up at a momen't notice to take a bird with nowhere else to go. In addition to all of the day to day stuff, Florida Parrot Rescue finds loving homes for well over 100 parrots each year. Pretty amazing when I think about the fact the rescue has yet to operate a brick and mortar building! It has meant a lot to me to participate in the work of Florida Parrot Reacue and I hope to keep volunteering for years to come! It has been a catalyst in my life for personal growth and fulfillment, and I never miss an opportunity to tell others about it!
I have worked with the FPR for about 6 months and have been continually impressed with their commitment to the birds that they care for. Whether donating precious financial or time resources to the medical care of maltreated birds or re-evaluating standard operating procedures to maximize care of the birds it is obvious that this group really does exist to serve the unwanted and mistreated birds of Florida. I am very proud to be associated with them.
I adopted my beautiful perfect splayed legged B&G Kona from FPR. I LOVE him to death.
Before the adoption I was visited by another volunteer and I spoke with other on the phone. They REALLY care about their birdies !
I went to their Chopalooza event and it was amazing. So many people there doing good for the birds.
They are awesome !
A very professional organization. I have adopted an Umbrella Cockatoo named Lucy and a Congo African Grey named Milo from them Their screenings for these adoptions were very thorough and supportive. They truly care about what"s best for the parrots and you by giving excellent advice on caring for your new "best friend". Two thumbs up!
I adopted my Rosie from Florida Parrot Rescue. They were so thorough in the screening process, ensuring I knew how to properly care for a bird, doing a home visit, meeting the foster mom. They really care about their birds. I also knew I was getting a healthy bird because all of their birds are checked by an avian vet before becoming adoptable. The foster mom took the time to talk with me and meet with me, answering questions, giving advice. The whole experience was so worth it! And Rosie is a delight!
We adopted our parrot from Florida Parrot Rescue, they make sure all the parrots are matched up with the right adopter and have ongoing help if needed to get the new feathered friend adjusted to his new home. I now volunteer for FPR and donate when I can to the wonderful caring organization.
Leslie
I have been with the FPR for over 4 years now. I was looking for a bird to adopt and found FPR. I decided to become a foster caretaker. I did that for 4 years and volunteered. I was also a area coordinator for 3 year. I really love and respect this rescue. They are very professional and care about the birds first. That are also a wonderful group to work with. I would still be working with the group full time if my health was better. I really miss working at the events and fostering.
Thank You Florida Parrot Rescue for all that you do for the Birds.
I would like to Thank FPR for all the great things they are doing in so many communities throughout the state of Florida. I am a foster and continue to be moved by the momentum that FPR provides me with the loving, caring, prompt services to rescued exotic birds. They are a A+ organization!!!!
I have been a volunteer with Florida Parrot Rescue for a few years-I have seen the abused and the neglected but have also seen the dearly loved turned into rescue due to owner illness or death--I have seen these amazing volunteers drop their after work family time or forgo weekend plans to drive hours and do emergency pick-ups, or just to help another volunteer. Florida Parrot Rescue has the most dedicated group of volunteers I have ever seen, they are a true example of team work--it is always about the birds and it is very evident. I am VERY proud to be part of this awesome group!!!
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I am a new volunteer of only 8 months with FPR, when I started with them I noticed that all there birds in rescue were very happy birds. The make sure the vets see them no matter how small of a concern you have about one of your fosters. The keep in contact with you to make sure things are going well with you and your foster. I have watched some of our members in action at shows and such, what passion they have for these wonderful creatures. The love that pours out is awsometo watch, and interact with people while there looking for new homes for our fosters are priceless, what love. The birds in our care are not just birds, they are part of our family, and as a parent we always want the best for our family so we choose and choose wisely. The care that is given is way beyond any word I can use. I love when they have there chop partys, everyone including the men get excited about the affair. Its amazing watching them all get together to do a wonderful deed for our foster babies. The bird is the word with FPR.
I have been working as a volunteer with Florida Parrot Rescue for many, many years. This rescue is, by far, above par in everything. All of the birds that come into rescue are vetted, no matter how large or small, with the best medical care. All of the volunteers go above and beyond to make sure each and every parrot receives the best of everything - toys, food, vet care - and that they find the best home possible. The volunteers and fosters are amazing and are what makes the rescue the best it can be. Education is also a top priority and the volunteers work many hours participating in community and adoption events around Florida to spread the word about rescue, adoption and about education in regards to companion parrots. I am proud to be a part of FPR!
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I have been working with Florida Parrot Rescue for 4 years now. I can say without a doubt that regardless of the situation or challenge, each and every volunteer gives 100% to help. Every bird, regardless of how large or small, are each given the best of vet care without question and the foster homes are stellar. The requirements for adoption are also very high and every time I have had a foster bird get adopted, I am confident that animal is going to the best home possible that has been checked out thoroughly!
I have been involved with the Avian world in a number of different capacities. I was fortunate enough to meet many of the members of this organization. I was extremely impressed by their dedication, compassion, professionalism, ethics and standards. Everything they do supports the well-being of the Parrots they are seeking to re-home. This group sets the bar high, and is a model that should be followed and studied by many in this field!
Being a foster mama has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I love this organization and that we hold ourselves to a high standard, it truly is about the birds!
Florida Parrot Rescue sets the bar for what to expect from a non-profit rescue organization. They are made up of some of the kindest, most compassionate, dedicated people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. They strive to educate the public on proper care, are active in the community, and are always willing to step up when help is needed. They have the years behind them to prove that they are not a "make a quick buck" group that will vanish a few months down the road with your birds and your money. They have used their resources to benefit the birds in their care, and they are 100% volunteer run. There are just not enough positive things I can say about this group. Keep up the good work Florida Parrot Rescue!!!
I had the chance to meet several of the people who volunteer for FPR. They are willing to take time out of their day to help these poor homeless birds. Hats off to them!
Florida Parrott Rescue is an awesome group. I have been involved with animals my entire life. My involvement with FPR has been a fantastic one. I have never seen a group of people come together so quickly to help rescue the birds that are so in need and so helpless. I have fostered and I have adopted several of the birds. I would recommend anybody looking to get a bird to adopt one from Florida Parrot Rescue. All birds are vetted with in 10 days of coming to the fosters home.
Originally I found out about Florida Parrot Rescue from a Facebook friend that grows orchids and also has parrots. We had chatted a while about birds when he told me about this rescue group and turned me on to Lorry Burgh (the foster coordinator for South East Florida). Having lived out of the country for many years I did not know there were rescue groups for Parrots. After contacting Lorry I filled out all the paper work and waited impatiently for my home interview. When that was done I immediately took in a 16 year old Congo African Grey. It has been bliss for both of us since. If anyone is worried about the people involved I can tell you that all volunteers and adopters are thoroughly checked out. Having also been a foster parent for children ( little unfeathered humans) I can tell you that there is a lot of paperwork for both. Working with all the volunteers has been a pleasure and I hope to continue working with this great group of people.
This organization takes great pains to make the absolute best choices for foster parrots being adopted out to forever homes.. They do complete background checks and interviews and well as home visits. FPR does not discriminate on vet care for any bird regardless of size and expense while they are in foster care. Each and every bird is taken to the vet within 10 days of entering rescue. FPR is the largest and most successful bird rescue in the State of Florida.
I was looking on the internet for a rescue that would have exotic birds for foster/adopt and I stumbled on FPR. Within minutes they had replied to my email about becoming a foster. Finishing up with their process to apply, I started to really understand how much these people care about parrots in the community. They keep every foster up to date on new waiting lists, events coming up, parrots in emergency situations, etc. Their system really impressed me. Right now, I'm fostering my first (of many i hope) parrot and I am amazed at how thorough FPR was in getting me this cute little girl. Between sweet caring people, and a perfectly organized adoption/foster process, I've come to appreciate FPR so much I refer people to them almost every day. If you're willing to take the time and energy for beautiful feathered friend, going through FPR is your first and one of your best decisions you'll ever make.
I learned about Florida Parrot Rescue on Facebook, and started to volunteer a few months ago. What an awesome group of people! The way that these folks treat the incoming birds, transition them through the foster system, and then off to their forever home is something I didn't know was possible. These precious creatures now have another chance at a long and happy future. I think bird owners are cut of a special cloth. If, by chance, there is a time to let a bird go for whatever reason, it is a relief to know that this group is willing to re-home them. I had personally considered placing my own flock in a sanctuary upon my death, as I know my relatives or friends will never provide the care and love I have for them. Without the human interaction they now receive, that choice would be a detriment to them all. Now, I feel comfortable that I can entrust FPR to handle this, as my birds are my life. Plus, the amount of information that is consistently shared throughout the group on related topics is superior! I look forward to volunteering much more, but right now I do what I can, as I also am a full time caretaker for an elderly parent. I am proud to be a part of the wonderful organization!
When informed that my newly diagnosed medical condition would render me unable to work, I became depressed and didn't know how I was going to be able to sit at home all day. I thought by adopting a rescue animal I would be able to help the animal and in return it would lift my spirits. So to the computer I went and started googling rescue groups. I came across the Florida Parrot Rescue (FPR) site and was impressed by what I read about the organization. I looked at the birds for adoption and came across a sorry looking bird that looked like I felt. I knew that bird was meant for me! I filled out the online application and received an immediate phone call from the rescue. One of the fosters came to my house to make sure I met the requirements for adopting one of their precious ones. My vet references were checked as well. I was impressed by the organization in making sure a good match would be made. The process was smooth and everyone at the rescue was so nice. Education of bird care was given by the volunteers so I would be sure to provide all the bird's needs. Because of the blessing I received in finding my forever friend, I made a committment to help other birds find a loving home with a person who is in need to love and be loved. I have been a foster for FPR for four months now and am in awe of the hard work and dedication of the members. I have volunteered for other organizations but by far this group surpasses any other. There are not many organizations that have as many volunteers opening their homes, time, and finances to care of our feathered friends. The volunteers sacrifice to build a network of fosters throughout the state so they can be true to their motto "no beak left behind". Our rescues don't have fur and four legs. They have feathers and faith someone will care. FPR is that someone. .....with sincerity, Terry
I own a retail bird shop and adoption center and have had the privilege of working with FPR as a foster and volunteer. This is a totally volunteer operated organization with the the highest of standards in rescue. From the officers down to the fosters & volunteers, every single person is dedicated to doing the right thing. They are honest, ethical & responsible, often putting their own lives and families after their responsibilities to this fine organization.
FPR is a group of some of the most genuine & dedicated people I know. The dynamic of the organization--volunteer foster homes all over the state of FL rather than one central location--is a great idea, and I believe strengthens this organization's capability to rescue and provide exceptional care to the birds until they find forever homes. Yes, I do describe this organization as life-changing because a couple of months ago I adopted my precious Indian Ringneck, Willow, from them, and now I couldn't imagine life without her in it. The adoption process was thorough, and made me feel confident that these rescues were being given for adoption to qualified individuals who could provide just as good as if not better care than FPR was giving them, which leads to successful results for everyone all around. I am proud to be involved with such a great organization and feel comfortable in donating financially to this organization to help their efforts whether it be through Chip-In fundraising they occasionally have or by ordering my birds' products through their catalog so FPR can receive the profits.
I started as a client served, when I adopted one of my babies from them, and was so impressed with the group that I became a volunteer. I am only one of many - this group is ENTIRELY volunteer managed and run, and still manages to be among the best and most reputable rescues I've ever worked with. The consistenly high standards of operation and treatment for the birds are a model for any rescue! The people are honest and caring, and their ethics are above reproach. The veterinarians associated with the group are some of the best in the state, and the care the birds get while in rescue is undoubtedly better than many people get.
The volunteers and fosters of Florida Parrot Rescue are amazing! No bird, big or small, healthy or sick, young or old is excluded from care. Anyone looking to adopt a bird should contact Florida Parrot Rescue.
There probably aren't many nonprofits that are managed and staffed by 100% volunteers, and that's what makes this organization stand out from others. With a network of people educated in avian health and well-being, and an ability to reach far and wide throughout all of Florida and some areas of the Southeast US, the Florida Parrot Rescue is able to make an impact on the health and well-being of parrots in a way that a stand-alone organization would not be able to do given its small size. I have worked with numerous nonprofits professionally throughout the years, and I don't believe I have ever found one this efficient AND effective. Because of their reach, they were able to rescue a parrot I had missing for many years. If I lived in the area, I would certainly want to volunteer for FPR.
KAREN FROM FLORIDA PARROT RESCUE,… TO ME SHE IS AN ANGEL.
I was willing to give up my two Conures and very sad when I get in touch with Karen at Florida Parrot rescue. I had to leave US and did not know when I was going back again due to illness of my family member in Europe. Thinking for the idea of giving up my birds was very difficult for me. More importantly finding a good loving hand for my little ones looked almost impossible.
Karen helped me board my birds at Parrot Nation own by Bonnie Graton so I did not give up my birds until I come back.
These wonderful ladies are not only affectionately helping birds but people who care for them.
You gave me a hope to unite with my babies again. Thank you Karen.
I contacted the president of the rescue inquiring about adopting and ended up fostering and coordinating for 4 1/2 years now. I absolutely love this rescue. It is well run with a lot of volunteers who love these birds and welling to help anyway they can. It makes me proud to be part of this rescue.
I haven't been a volunteer that long only about 3 months now but I can tell you the volunteers at FPR put their heart and soul into this if it wasn't for them we would have so many homeless birds with FPR were giving them a second chance I will continue to volunteer because I believe in giving second chances!
I've been a foster and volunteer for Florida Parrot Rescue for almost two years now, and I still say with pride that I am with them. FPR operates with the mentality of "birds first". No bird is too big a challenge or too small of market value to be saved. It also has several passionate and knowledgable people in the ranks to learn from and lean on.