My Nonprofit Reviews

My first association with parrots began over three decades ago when I had the opportunity to share my life with two cockatiels - a bonded pair that lived together for over 20 years. That interaction inspired me to learn as much as possible about all parrot species, which are among the most intelligent and social of birds. I soon discovered the World Parrot Trust and its mission to improve the well-being of parrots through welfare, conservation, and education.

Projects funded by the WPT include conservation of some of the most critically endangered species on earth, such as the Kakapo of New Zealand and the Echo parakeet of Mauritius Island, as well as several species of macaws and Amazon parrots of South and Central America and throughout the Caribbean. Importantly, their programs promote the extensive cooperation of field biologists and residents of the local community, all having a common mission to carry out activities such as nest site monitoring, habitat protection and restoration. In addition to field approaches to conservation, WPT supports research using cutting edge technologies to undertake taxonomic and genetic studies that provide important data on the diversity and health of parrot species. Their mission is not limited to large, charismatic birds, but also includes smaller, but still biologically important ones, such as the various species of African lovebirds.

Perhaps what inspired me the most is the WPT’s commitment to the welfare of all parrots. This is exemplified by their active involvement in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of birds that were illegally taken from the wild - including large numbers of endangered African Grey parrots that were victims of illegal poaching and subsequently confiscated by authorities - giving them a chance to once again “Fly Free,” as the program is named. Although I cannot be in the field directly helping parrots, I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a long-term donor and directly contribute to the ongoing mission of the World Parrot Trust.