Lily Sanctuary Parrot Rescue

Me and my wife are doing the process to adopt one of their great birds...a beautiful sulfur crested cockatoo, Sunshine....I been there already a few times and I really noticed that they are doing a great job! They really love all their birds and their job. It's my first experience with a sanctuary and I can say that thanks to them i'm having a wonderful experience! I really suggest them if you are looking to adopt a friend for life!

I have been volunteering at the Lily Sanctuary for 5 years. This organization does so many great things for these birds. They are very devoted to the daily care for these beautiful parrots and giving them what they need. I've seen the parrots that need medical care, special attention and if needed special needs setup for their cages. All the birds get LOVE and the house is just full of parrot laughs and antics. It's a wonderful place.

Brenda Wray

Lily Sanctuary takes birds that would otherwise not have good homes. They work very hard to take care of sometimes challenging animals. I visit them at Pet Expos and other opportunities. I am very thankful for the work they do.

I adopted my first parrot from The Lily Sanctuary about five years ago. They are a wonderful group that takes great care of these birds that are in need. They take the time to screen potential adopters to make sure the parrots find a forever home where they will be well cared for. They take the time to educate people on the unique needs off these wonderful parrots. I would definitely go back to them when I am ready to adopt again.

I have been a volunteer at the Lily Sanctuary for about 5 months now and I can honestly say that this organization is home to some of the most loving and dedicated people I have ever met. Many rescues won't rescue birds that are not easily rehomed, the Lily Sanctuary has taken many birds in that have problems that mean that the Sanctuary might very well be their only home. There is Indy the blind blue and gold macaw, Tara the one-legged grey with a potty mouth, and birds that have plucking and mutilation problems. The Lily Sanctuary works tirelessly to help these birds adapt and teach them what love feels like. I am absolutely blessed to be apart of such a wonderful organization. Every day I go to volunteer, the birds and people light up my life just a little bit more. And now my boyfriend and I are looking for a feathered friend to add to our family! Of course we will be adopting from the Lily Sanctuary!

I have been a volunteer at Lily Sanctuary for about a year now. It is a great place to volunteer at. I love being part of this place and helping beautiful birds who need love and care. The volunteers and founders (Dan and Vennette) are really pleasant people to be around, we all work harmoniously and enjoy our time there. I have been able to accommodate my volunteer schedule as I have a child, work full time, and attend school.
I had a cockatoo before my time at Lily and have adopted 2 birds since I volunteer. I have really appreciated the ethics of this place for adoptions. I have also appreciated the education I have received while being a volunteer. It has helped me care for my own birds at home.
I highly recommend Lily Sanctuary if you are looking for a place to volunteer, to donate, or to adopt a parrot.

Although I haven't made it to the Lil Sanctuary as often as I'd like to, my experiences there have been wonderful! Vennette and other veteran volunteers are very knowledgeable and take time to educate novice volunteers and take wonderful care of our flying friends. I recommend anyone with an interest in birds or animals stop by to see the magic that happens at The Lily Sanctuary.

Unfortunately, I am one of those people who had to find a new home for their parrot. Vennette, Dan and the volunteers of the Lily Sanctuary were wonderful. They took in my bird and helped me understand what was best for him. They helped me through a very difficult separation and were very non-judgemental and sympathic through the whole process. I was impressed with the professionalism as well as the care and love that they give to my parrot. He is well care-for, health and happy. For this, I will be forever grateful to the Lily Sanctuary and those that work there.

I have volunteered at the Lily Sanctuary since 2008. Dan & Vennette who run the sanctuary are the most loving and giving people to all the volunteers and of course all the parrots that they have saved over the years. It takes very special people to give their time for the only benefit of the love of the birds and all the volunteers are the best.

I started to volunteer at the Lily Sanctuary in September. The people there are amazing and there hearts are full of love and compassion for the lovely birds there. Everyone takes such pride in the care for all the featherd flock. I absolutely love going there. It has been the highlight of my week. It is by far the best place to spend my Sundays! I wouldn't want to be anywhere else then with the birds and the amazing people that help make the sanctuary. Venette is a lovely woman with a kind heart. I recommend any one that has a passion for birds to check it out.

The Lily Sanctuary is a fantastic place. I have been a volunteer for just over 2 years and have enjoyed every single moment (even the many moments cleaning poop off of perches). The birds are well cared for, getting time in outside aviaries and have lots of contact with volunteers. The adoption process is done very well to ensure the birds find a forever home. The permanent residents can rest assured they always have a loving home and a bowl full of food :) Lindsay

Lily Sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing parrots & finding suitable homes for them. As a volunteer, I learned so much about bird psychology, the different species, diet, health care, & I got to know each bird's personality. They are an amazing nonprofit organization!

I cleaned cages and fell in love with the birds for about a year but back problems got the best of me. I was able to convert the sanctuary to feeding "chop" and now I make food for the birds once a month. The sanctuary is one of only a handful of places where parrots can go until they find their forever home. It's so sad to see these beautiful animals in cages but thanks to the volunteers, each bird get's his or her attention when possible. I hate the fact that people feel they need to make pets of the birds but it's wonderful that the Lily Sanctuary is able to rescue them and find them new homes. The volunteers are wonderful, donating so much time and hard work to keep the birds happy and healthy. If you are looking to add a bird to your family, please come by and have a look around, I'm sure there's a bird just waiting to adopt you.

Lily Sanctuary is one of only a small amount of organizations dedicated to helping rescue and re home birds. Their work is invaluable. Their staff is kind, helpful & so dedicated to the care of our avian companions. They are knowledgeable in all aspects of avian care, not only in just what they do at the sanctuary but the help they offer online , if they don't have an answer to a concern themselves they have a wide network of resources to help you. Their work is essential to not only their immediate community but to parrot owners world wide.

A couple of years ago I lost my first bird a Moulaccan after a terrible accident. She was an amazing companion in every way. To honor her I wanted to rescue a Moulaccan in need. I saw him on petfinder dot com and sent an email off. When I arrived at the sanctuary there were a bazillion (not really) bird lovers flitting about caring for all the birds. They took me first on a tour of the birds but I kept turning my head noticing this one Moulaccan that kept watching me as I walked about teh sanctuary. Eventually they took me to the location where the bird I came to see was housed and not surprisingly it was theone that had been watching me. I still needed to do two more visits and a home visit so I left that day and I will never forget the disappointed look on that bird's face! It was like watching a movie of an orphanage where the kids were well loved but there was one child that kept getting overlooked and desperately wanted a mom of his own. It has now been almost two years since he came home with me and not a day goes by that he doesn't make me laugh or that he doesn't say at least once "I love you mom". I am so grateful for all the care and compassion that he was shown at the sanctuary while he waited for me to find him! I highly recommend supporting this organization!

In 2007 I moved to Orange County from LA County. When I lived in LA I had worked part time at a Bird store helping out where I could. I wanted to continue working with Parrots and found the Lily Sanctuary through volunteerMatch.com. I have to say, that it was a perfect match for me. I was contacted right away, and immediately invited to come in to meet the founders and the birds. I knew right away that I wanted to volunteer as much time as I could to the Lily Sanctuary. Just walking through I could feel the love and dedication that the Lily Sanctuary Staff provided for each bird. I was hooked! I have been volunteering for 3 years now, and can not imagine my life without the Lily Sanctuary. They truly are an amazing bunch of individuals who give from their hearts so that no bird suffers. My only wish is that I could do more for the Sanctuary.

I searched hi and low to find the perfect Parrots for my home. My first adoption was Clyde Blue front Parrott. My Second was Bogie a Dbl Yellow Parrott. I had an African Grey and wanted to expand my family. The staff and volunteers were wonderful. I work alot and they let me visit late hours. The sanctuary is emaculante and all the birds are loved and well taken care of. They also did home inspections to make sure the parrotts would have a good living enviroment. As a bird lover it is as important to them the care and safety of the parrotts as it is to you. I would recommend Lily sanctuary to any one who is serious about adopting as I was.

I rescued a young cockateel from crows. Whilst I was trying to find it's owners I borrowed a cage and kept it in my livingroom. Every time it screeched my bunny, Charlie, would run & hide under the bed so I knew I had to find a safe place for the bird and keep my bunny happy. I found a flyer for The lily Sanctuary at my vets office. The Lily Sanctuary accepted the bird right away, even though they had a house full! I was so impressed with the indoor/outdoor housing, cleanliness and love and attention that was given to each and everyone of those birds, of all shapes and sizes. I imediately offered to help with the 4 bunnies that they had also taken in. That was the beginning of my 3 years with a wonderful group of people and their charges. They strive to find the best home for birds that can be odopted and the permanent residents already have the best home possible. The education and support they provide is outstanding. The little bird I rescued belonged to a family that saw my posters, they went to the Sanctuary and received lots of information on how to feed and keep their bird safe from then on.

When I lost my Macaw to Kidney disease, I called the sanctuary looking to adopt a companion parrot that needed a home rather than purchase one from a pet store. There are so many Parrots that need homes, I just wnated to help. And I wanted a Macaw. I got a call back right away. I was introduced to a few possibilities, to date I have made a decision and am waiting to get my new baby.

The parrots at the Lily Sanctuary are lucky indeed. They are handled with care, love, dedication and respect, no matter what baggage they bring with them. In addition to volunteering at the Sanctuary, I am now fostering my first precious rescue bird. It is one of the best jobs I have ever had.

When I was thinking about adopting another parrot, I contacted Sue Bendheim at this organization. Sue talked to me at length on the phone about what kind of parrot I might be interested in and what my home situation was like. After this initial contact, Sue and another member of the organization set up a home visit and came by to see whether my family and I could provide a good forever home for a parrot. After this, Sue and I had several conversations again about what birds they had available for adoption. Finally, I made up my mind when Sue told me about a White-Capped Pionus that needed to be rehomed. Sue then met me at the parrot's owners home, helped facilitate the first meeting and had both sides of this adoption sign the necessary papers. In a little more than an hour, my daughter and I were happily driving home with "Wallace," the newest member of our flock.

When I was debating about getting a Cockatoo as a pet, the Sanctuary first had me visit and meet all of their birds. They were realistic in pointing out I probably should not start out with one of the huge Cockatoos I had dreamed of having. They educated me about the time and responsibilities involved with having parrots and cockatoos as pets. They also took the time to learn about my family and its structure and habits, so they could try and match us up with the birds that would be a good match for us. The Lily Sanctuary definitely knows what they are doing because they managed to connect us with a bird that has blended into our family perfectly. Our Lesser Crested Sulphur Cockatoo was known to be more inclined to being with male handlers, but she easily balanced between lovingly interacting with me, a female, and also lovingly interacting with my 9 year old son and all his friends. Our bird adopted from the Sanctuary is such a great match, she became the team mascot for my son's soccer team and all the boys would give her a gentle rub on the head before the start of their games. This team ended up being the Champions for their age division, and when trophies were handed out the Coach insisted our bird from the Lily Sanctuary be with the team for all the victory photos. Our Lily rescue was thought of as the team's good luck charm. My son and I think of the Lily Sanctuary as a bigger luck charm for birds, especially those in need of new homes or permanent fostering.

I became involved with The Lily Sanctuary after a friend donated a bird she could no longer care for. After witnessing the personal care and devotion provided to these discarded birds, I wanted to help by donating cash for expenses including medical care and by supporting fundraisers.

Not only does the Lily Sanctuary provide the very best of care to parrots in need -- they have also helped me in my time of need offering advice and assistance when I needed them!! They also ran to help when I heard of an escaped parrot who had been lost in the asphalt jungle for several days. With their expertise and through the mud, rain, and flooding, were able to rescue him. BRAVO LILY SANCTUARY...what a wonderful place you are!

I admire the work of all of these people working at the santuary. I was able to see that their dedication is pure from their heart and their love to help these animals is inspirational and unconditional. They really go the extra mile for each of them. "We really need people like them in this world" they don't only save animals in need, but make the world a better place" Thank You for your love and dedication! -e

I contacted the Lily Sanctuary a long time ago because I wanted to adopt a companion bird for my Illie. The people there are really friendly and dedicated. They take very good care of the birds people have given up on. my overall experience was great, although I didnt find the right bird for my Naomie.

The Lily Sanctuary truly cares for these birds. All sizes and temperments, they find them all to be precious. Each is loved and cared for (I was afraid of some of them-- the big ones especially) but they loved and handled them all carefully and respectfully. They know each bird's temperment and cater to it. One of the big Cockatoos does not want to be picked up so he follows a towel out to his outdoor cage each afternoon for "sunning and fresh air". They work hard all day long each and every day. I so respect this organization.

I adopted an umbrella cockatoo 6 1/2 years ago, without knowing what I was getting into. He was a beautiful 3 month old baby who had been injured by the pet store that was hand feeding him-they burned a hole through his crop with food that was overheated. As he was recovering, he & I bonded & I made arrangements to buy him. I already had a 20 year old blue & gold macaw who I had adopted about 3 years before & that was going well, so I did not think this cuddly cockatoo would be any different. About a year ago, I found out how difficult a hormonal male cockatoo could be. As he matured, he became difficult & unpredictable. One attack sent me to the emergency room. We got past that & I tried to cautiously keep the bond. Unfortunately, this past February he got me again. My thumb is almost healed (3 1/2 months later), but after that attack I realized that I was now afraid of my bird. I tried to overcome it, I have had many pets of various species, most rescues, & I have dealt with a lot of problem behaviors. But after about a month, I still couldn't bring myself to touch him. I realized that I was afraid of him & I was pretty sure that this time I wasn't going to be able to overcome it. He can be such a good bird & I felt he deserved a home with someone who had more time to spend with him & who knew how to handle a difficult bird. I wanted him to have a happy home with someone who wasn't afraid of him. That's when I started looking into adoption agencies. I spoke with many people & looked up options online. The Lily Sanctuary came highly recommended. I was very comforted by the lengthy in-depth adoption process & the obvious love for birds. When I sent in an email explaining my situation, Sue (their adoption coordinator) responded quickly & compassionately. She understood how difficult this decision was & she was very helpful. She explained the process & assured me that my bird would only be placed with someone who could handle him & who would know his past history. She let me know that not only would the adopter have to love my bird, my bird would also have to choose the person. She made the process bearable and I believe that "Riesling" is now fortunate to be starting a new happier life. I miss him & I'll always love him, but I don't think that I could have given him the life he deserves. I don't know what "Riesling" & I would have done without the Lily Sanctuary. I was afraid to touch him & I'm sure he was unhappy with the lack of attention. He's been gone for about 2 months now & I still cringe when I look at my injured thumb. I know that I would still be unable to hold him, so I am glad that he has a new home, where he will be cuddled & loved. I am so glad that a place like the Lily Sanctuary exists...a place where people who truly love birds & understand birds help them find forever homes.

Really dedicated and commited people doing very important work on behalf of parrots - the oft-forgotten third most popular pet in this country...and all too often in need of good homes due to their long lives and wild characteristics.

The Lily Sanctuary is like no other. Dan and Venette are so dedicated to the parrots it is their whole life. I have seen many parrots come in that had major issues and with all the love and care they receive they help turn them around so that they can be adopted out to forever loving homes. I have a few parrots from their that I took home to foster and they are here to stay!

I used to volunteer at the Lily Sanctuary since I met them until I moved out of state...in the process I fell in love with many birdies there and adopted a handfull...everybody involved puts so much energy and love in caring for these poor little creatures that it is sincerely inspiring...Venete's leadership, dedication and passion are truly moving

I have been a volunteer at the Lily Sanctuary for almost a year now and what I have seen keeps me going as often as I can. The care and love that goes to these parrots is amazing. Some of these parrots have life long medical problems or have been abandoned by their owners or just given up for a variety of reasons. At the sanctuary they are well cared for and must live in the cleanest cages on the west coast! They are loved, respected, and treated like family members. Volunteering at the lily sanctuary has taught me many things, but the most important is the respect I have for the people who own and operate it. What they are doing for these parrots is fantastic!!

What would the birds / parrots do w/o Lily Sanctuary ? :( It is their haven :) We all love helping our feathered friends who cannot help themselves. Lily Sanctuary spends large amounts of $$$ it does not have & is a non- profit organization. Thank God for the founders of Lily Sanctuary who have given so much & of themselves so generously.

The level of care and commitment demonstrated by Venette Hill and her husband Dan is absolutely breathtaking. The birds live right in the house and are truly part of the family. It is nothing short of miraculous to see a traumatized bird come in to the Sanctuary and blossom under their patient, loving care. There is a special place in heaven for people like this who sacrifice their lives to ease those of needy animals.

I recently watch while my daughter rescued a beautiful Parrot from the sanctuary and help it get well. It was a lovely thing for her to do. I am very impressed with the Sanctuary and would like to contribute whatever I can to help. Ruth Baugh 210 E. Ocean Blvd Long Beach, Ca 90802 562-983-2873

I have heard about the great tireless work of the Lily Foundation for many many years ...but getting to know the actual volunteers and all that they do has been a real eye opener ...we are so lucky to have such a great organization ....and should never forget that they are here.

As a foster mom to several homeless parrots, I know how often birds are abused and dumped by owners who are not willing or able to give the amount of care they require (and loving owners who just cannot keep their bird). LS provides a safe haven for these birds until they can be placed in a good home, or, in some cases, for life. Dan and Venette have made a lot of sacrifices to care for these birds, with the help of a network of VERY dedicated volunteers.

I think it is hard for me to truely put into words how wonderful the work is that the Lily Sanctuary does for birds in need. I myself have rescued 13 birds that I provide a permanent home for, and the work is never ending, so you have to be very dedicated. I also have worked for years with a group that tries to match lost birds listed on the internet with found birds listed, and reunite them with thier owner. The Lily Sanctuary stepped up to foster a found bird for us, and I never forgot that kindness.

My wife and I were able to adopt a 25 year old and are happily spoiling yet another fine feathered friend. Without LF this one would have surely fallen through the crack. TGF LF.

Sumatra was an Umbrella Cockatoo dumped on me by a woman who no longer wanted him. I had too many parrots & contacted the Lily Sanctuary to find a home for Sumatra. When I got there, I was amazed at all the parrots & how incredibly well looked after they are. Since cyber-meeting Sue, their adoption co-ordinator who is one of the nicest Ladies on the planet, I have been donating to the Sanctuary as often as I can. I know they found a perfect home for Sumatra who is such a loving bird. I wish I could have kept him. I`m beyond impressed with them!

We have worked with Sue at Lily for approximately one year, trying to find the right person to give our Suzie a very loving home, which we have had Suzie for 15 years. Sue was so patient with us, and so caring. Sue could see that we were so picky and very concern who would be the right person. She did it. We are very comforable with Suzie new home, and family. Great job Sue! Thank you so much. Robbi and Rickey Gelb

I've been acquainted with the Lily Sanctuary for over 10 years. I can't imagine a better or safer bird rescue. All bird are treated with kindness and respect. Each bird's unique personality is honored and encouraged. Staff and volunteers both work tirelessly with all sorts of birds. Some are easy to rehome and others have major behavioral problems and require extra TLC. They find it at the Lily Sanctuary.

Last summer my boyfriend had the great idea of taking my parrot outside while I was at work. Her wings had not been clipped and she got scared and flew away. For 3 days we could hear her but not see her in the tress. Then she disappeared. I contacted The Lily Sancutuary for any assistance they could give me. They were wonderful, they gave me great tips on who else to contact and how we could entice her. Ultimately another volunteer found her and brought her back to me. This group has been a life saver in so many ways.

Last summer my 11-year-old boy was about to turn 12 in August. He loves all types of birds and desperately wanted a parrot for his 12th birthday. So, last June we began the process of visiting local bird shops and shopping on-line. I quickly realized we could not afford such an exotic and expensive birthday present! That's when we found the Lily Sanctuary and realized there were so many birds already looking for new homes! We visited several times before deciding on Zeke - a little Hahn's Macaw with more personality than you can imagine! Sue Bendheim walked us through the entire adoption process. She was so wonderful and kind, and really loves these birds. You can tell, without a doubt, these birds are her life and passion. We've had Zeke (Or "Zekie bird!" as he calls himself) for almost a year now and he is part of the family. We couldn't be happier. What a wonderful place the Lily Sanctuary is!! Not only do they provide a safe haven for all the beautiful birds that they house, but they offer families a way to experience these beautiful birds without taking a 2nd on their home!

For 4 years I've been volunteering as caring for, fostering, working with parrot's behaviors, helping re home parrots to the right loving families, working with amazing people, educating and keeping people up to date on the latest care and info, and have come away with FAR more than I could have ever imagined

This is a wonderful place with wonderful people who care very much about parrots. I found myself in the heartbreaking position of having to re-home my 2 parrots, but knew no one who could take them. I dealt with Sue from the santuary and she was very helpful & understanding. I still miss my parrots desperately but knowing that they are being lovingly taken care of helps ease my mind.

I have known the founders and many of the volunteers at the Lily Sanctuary for more than a decade at this time. We met and became friends because of a mutual interest in and love for ducks .. yes, ducks! I can truly say that there are no persons on this planet more dedicated to helping birds and other needy creatures than the Lily Sanctuary. I have seen them struggle for years to make ends meet, to raise money for veterinary care for a bird in desperate need, and yet never fail to answer questions or extend a helping hand to others even in difficult times for themselves. The Sanctuary is always clean, the birds are always well cared for, and ample "out" and "play" time is always given to the birds, AND the birds are LOVED. If not for the Sanctuary, each and every bird that is a resident there would be in dire straits.

The Lily Sanctuary takes caring for birds and adoption very seriously. I adopted a bird from them less than a year ago. They were very rigorous in making sure the environment I was taking the bird into was safe and free of products/items known to be harmful to parrots. They followed up with a home inspection. They educated me about parrot safety, behavior, etc. Whenever I need help or advice, I can simply call them and ask questions.

I have been with the Lily Sanctuary for over 6 years now. This is wonderful place. I have seen real life miracles happen with bird happen here. Birds that were severely traumatized or neglected received real healing and ultimately new loving forever homes. The dedication to the betterment of the lives of every bird that comes to the sanctuary by Venette Hill, director, and volunteer staff is amazing. It takes a great deal of time and commitment DAILY to take care of the birds. These needs are surpassed each day by the volunteers that come EVERY DAY to clean cages, dishes and give all the birds outside play time in the outdoor aviaries.

I have been so moved, educated and inspired by the Lily Sanctuary. Never have I seen so much dedication on a daily basis to take personal care of these animals that were in need. In volunteering I learned about the behaviors, health and species-specific traits of parrots. And as for how I was inspired... how much can I write? I no longer live near the Lily Sanctuary and I now assist with a rescue and adoption organization for birds locally. We maintain health and adoption standards that are similar to the Sanctuary's. I have connected with others who are interested in the welfare of abused and neglected parrots and have been an available resource for members of the community. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of Dan and Venette at the Lily Sanctuary and what they have given me. Their uncorrupted love for these birds is boundless, which has given me a new perspective on life. I would also like to point out that the Lily Sanctuary fosters friendship, teamwork and an sense of worth among the team that volunteers there. Not all people are bird people, and not all birds are people birds. Working together every day, week or month the Sanctuary brings out the best in every single person that walks through the front door.

I volunteer with several animal groups mostly with cats/dogs. Several times people will need to find their bird a home and really do not know where or who to contact. We will give them information on the Lily Sanctuary. Thank goodness for the Lily Sanctuary who will help anyone with a bird in need. People just do not understand that birds are very needed and live a long time. Birds are not like cats and dogs that live a much shorter live span. The Lily Sanctuary has a great volunteer base of people. These volunteers deal with so many different types of birds. A volunteer spends a great deal of time getting to know the birds. Each bird has his or her own unique personally. As Venette has said they are like two-year-old children forever.