Parrot C.A.R.E. / SERENITY PARK
What a glorious existence to be a parrot! Is there anything more liberating than the ability to fly? More exhilarating than to see in vivid color? Or more fulfilling than living in a large extended family being groomed daily? Perhaps more important, being a parrot means access to the greatest selection of the world’s most delicious and varied foods foraged throughout the day. This is, indeed, the life of a parrot in the wild – at Serenity Park we try to duplicate the ideal life knowing we can never give them exactly what they need – freedom.
The Serenity Park program serves as an oasis for abandoned, abused, neglected or family-relinquished parrots in need of a forever home. Here these often-traumatized parrots meet combat veterans who also experienced trauma. It is through this common bond that a mutual path of healing occurs. Too many veterans carry trauma after their service and too many parrots suffer in solitary confinement in tiny cages for the duration of their life in captivity. Sharing this common bond, the parrots and veterans have a mutual understanding of each other.
Veterans care for the parrots in large outdoor aviaries where they provide fresh eucalyptus to chew on, bottomless privacy boxes (to discourage from breeding) made of formaldehyde-free wood, large forage trays of fruits and vegetables, fresh seeds, fresh nuts, hot food in the morning, and interaction with human companions as dictated by the parrots’ desire. All of the veterans in our program are given specialized training and develop unique job skills. Upon completion of the program, many continue onto careers that benefit the welfare of animals.
Serenity Park is under the umbrella of the Association for Parrot C.A.R.E., which is the non-profit charity that founded this sanctuary.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Birds of a Feather, the inspiring true story about the bonds between wounded warriors and forlorn parrots who are both healing at Serenity Park Sanctuary.
