Icarus is a fantastic sanctuary. I've volunteered with them for years. They care deeply about the parrots under their care and providing education to the public about parrots under human care. Each bird is treated like an individual, their physical, and psychological health and safety is at the forefront every day. Many of these birds come from previous homes where they were neglected and abused, and life at Icarus has opened new doors for them that they would otherwise have never known. They are given choice and control in their day, fed a healthy and nutritious diet, and provided the best medical care. The owner, Christi, is wholly dedicated to Icarus and providing these birds with the most loving care possible. The birds under her care are allowed to be birds, not pets. They are given constant enrichment and stimulation. Being able to live at the sanctuary offers these birds, especially cockatoos, another option other than being re-homed year after year. This organization does a fantastic job in the work that they do and they deserve all the support they can get.
Icarus is a wonderful, caring, hardworking organization that is dedicated to helping the neglected, discarded, and displaced parrots in the area. This organization goes the extra mile and deals with the "problem children" of the parrot world...Cockatoos. A lot of parrot rescues will not take Cockatoos due to their issues. Icarus embraces them and gives them a safe space to thrive. They also help educate people about the plight of these beautiful souls and work to make a difference. They are worthy of your support!!
A wonderful organization. Truly has the best interest of the birds at heart. They work hard to maintain a safe, healthy, and enriching environment for all the parrots.
I’ve been a volunteer for 5 plus years. This organization is dedicated to helping exotic birds from difficult situations. The birds are cared for with love, knowledge and hard work. It’s an honor to help care for these birds, and sponsor “Bear”, one of the umbrella Cockatoos.
I have visited, fostered and volunteered with Icarus for several years and there are no words, to express the kindness, fun, enriching and healthiful environment, that is created for the parrots in their care. Doing rescue most of my life, Icarus is Definitely, at the top of my list of organizations to support!
I love all birds and want to make sure they are given the best care possible. I believe Icarus foundation has caring people that do a fantastic job!
I have never experienced more commitment and care to a cause. Christy’s commitment to care of the parrots is amazing. She has dedicated her life to this misssion.
I volunteered here for several years and it was extremely rewarding. I learned a lot about parrot caretaking, and made lifelong friends with both the director and several feathered residents. I am sad that I had to stop volunteering due to moving out of the area, but I strongly encourage anyone who has an interest in birds to consider volunteering with the Chesapeake Parrot Sanctuary.
This nonprofit helps with pet birds that people can’t or no longer can care for them. I have volunteered with them and will again when I will be able to do so. Those birds are so dear to my heart as I did have one for 37 years. People don’t realize how long these birds can live when they bring one into their homes. Pet birds are smarter than you may think and are very endearing. Unless you have had one, you can’t understand how human they are. Christi has a HUGE heart and lots of love to give to EVERY bird in her care. They are very lucky birds to be there with her! ❤️
Loving, caring sanctuary for abused and abandoned cockatoos and other parrots. Birds are fed an organic, healthy diet and live in a clean, sunny and spacious environment.
The sanctuary is run professionally and ethically with a large group of trained volunteers and is a model for others to follow.
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I feel privileged to be a volunteer with the Chesapeake Parrot Sanctuary, where many formerly neglected and abused Cockatoos and other parrots have a second chance at a wonderful life. The birds are treated with great respect and care. They are fed fresh, organic greens, grains, nuts and seeds, tailored to each of their needs and preferences. The birds have spacious enclosures, enjoy abundant enrichment activities and are allowed plenty of socialization and freedom in a safe, clean environment. It feels good to see these beautiful birds in such a warm, secure home.
The Icarus Foundation was founded to help address the ever-growing crisis in the U.S. of too many parrots with no place to go. We provide a lifelong loving home for these intelligent and very social beings that includes lots of enrichment, flight, choices, socialization with humans and other birds, quality vet care and a nutritious fresh diet. Parrots can live 20 - 80 years and more depending on the species. Like all animals living in captivity, parrots deserve nothing less than our love and respect for a lifetime.
This is a parrot sanctuary that has taken in abused, unwanted and mistreated parrots that had no where else to go. They all now live out happy, fulfilled lives under the care of Christi, the owner and main caregiver of these beautiful creatures, along with help from the caring volunteers. Together they keep their homes clean and the birds fed, and given different types of enrichment and entertainment to keep their minds busy. Volunteers also help with fundraisers since this foundation is run on donations. I have been to this sanctuary several times and it is so inspiring to see how happy these parrots are and to know God's creatures are safe for the rest of their lives. Thank you to Icarus Fountain for all you do to help these feathered babies.
Fabulous Sanctuary focused on the growing need for parrot life-time care sanctuaries, specifically Cockatoos, which are the most re-homed species. The care and attention they receive is superb! Great food, taking 3 hours a day to prepare to ensure a balanced variety is offered. Activity spaces, out door aviary space, free flight time out of cages and for some open door cages most of the time. This sanctuary allows parrots to be birds, not pets. The Founder is passionate about giving parrots the best experience it can, but recognizes that no partot should be in a home; they all belong wild and free. Please help the Icarus Foundation continue to grow.
Hello,
I have been volunteering at Icarus Chesapeake Parrot Sanctuary for almost a year and it has been an eye opening experience! Four years ago I adopted a Jenday conure (not from Icarus) and immediately fell in love with parrots. However, I haven't had the slightest idea about the overwhelming need for safe housing for so many unwanted parrots (Cockatoos in particular). Christine Richter, the owner of Icarus, has the most compassion, love, and devotion toward all the parrots in her care I have seen in a while. Few people are willing to give up all their free time and resources to help others. Christine does and I am glad I found her and her sanctuary! She goes above and beyond to ensure her flock has fresh vegetable and fruit medley made every day, clean cages, foraging toys, exercise, good relationships with volunteers, exposure to natural sunshine, ample flight time, kisses, head scratches, you name it.
Volunteering at Icarus has given me an opportunity to make a small impact in the world, a tiny change for the better. It reminds me that there is a lot of good in the world, many selfless people like Christine and other volunteers who strive to help those who need help the most. Icarus is more that a safe haven for unwanted parrots, it is a beacon of hope for humanity.
I’m new to the Icarus Foundation, but in the short time I’ve been volunteering here it’s been exciting to witness how these parrots heal and flourish under Christine’s care. Since I’ve been here I’ve also learned that parrots face very unique challenges. Not many other pets frequently outlive their humans, yet parrots are so often left homeless and misunderstood that these beautiful birds often arrive with just as many physical and emotional issues as abused dogs or cats in a rescue situation. Christine has a deep knowledge and compassion for parrots and has made Icarus all about providing a quality of care and life that many of them have never known. She has built an organization that provides the vital, but often overlooked work in the animal rescue arena. I feel privileged to be a part of the foundation.
I have been a volunteer at Icarus Foundation's Chesapeake Parrot Sanctuary for a little less than a year. The sanctuary takes extremely good care of the parrots and the birds that have been neglected or taken from their natural habitat. I am very honored to say that I volunteer in a place that really makes it all about the birds and tries its best to provide to them. I get to learn a lot and be able to teach other people about them. The owner is kind-hearted and really loves the birds at the sanctuary. She will help with what ever is needed and she answers any questions you can possibly have with her. I love volunteering there so much that I drive with a friend around 40 minutes after our classes. One of the best places I have volunteered at.
The Icarus parrot sanctuary is a wonderful place for so many parrots. Many of these birds have come from neglected and hoarding situations. The sanctuary provides a safe and fulfilling place for these birds to recover and grow. I have been volunteering with the sanctuary since July 2016 and I have seen the amazing transformation that many of these birds go through. By providing a complete nutritious and organic diet, foraging opportunities, and enrichment activities; they are able to be the parrots they weren't able to be previously. Their once dull feathers become full again and the colors in their feathers return. The once scared and shy parrots personalities shine through and they are able to socialize. The sanctuary does not wing clip so the parrots are able to safely fly freely if they desire. The owner Christi, pours her unconditional love and time into this sanctuary every day and I am thankful to have been a part of caring for these parrots.
At Icarus Foundation's Chesapeake Parrot Sanctuary it's "all about the birds" - their emotional and physical well being. I'm privileged to be a volunteer with the organization and am able to see the love and respect shown to these wonderful birds.
I have volunteered time and services to this amazing foundation over the last two years. It is truly an life saving sanctuary for parrots to live out their lives in a loving home. The owner and the terrific volunteers keep this place clean and functioning to make all the parrots happy, safe and secure. They get the best health care available, fresh fruits and vegetables daily, multiple toys, human touch and interaction and room to fly around and grow. The owner is there 24 hours a day and loves each and every bird as they are her own. This sanctuary is an A+ organization. I am proud to be associated with Icarus Foundation and the owner, Christi.