Not Many People Know About This Parrot Sanctuary Right Here In Iowa
By Ben Jones|Published March 26, 2021
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Ben Jones
Author
Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
Neglected parrots are finding a safe home in Iowa. The Iowa Parrot Rescue in Letts rehabilitates sick and injured parrots in a special facility resigned to help bring them back to health. These birds are gorgeous, but they have special care needs that the rescue helps fill, while educating the public about these amazing birds.
The rescue is unlike any other in Iowa and you might be surprised to see how active it is and how many incredible birds live here. Here’s a look inside the operation and how the public can help these beautiful creatures.
The nonprofit rescue works to determine each bird's needs and desires. Some spend years at the facility, others are placed up for adoption sooner. No bird ever truly leaves contact with the rescue. If an adopted bird's behavior or home environment changes, it might return to Letts for more care
Birds that arrive at the facility are placed into quarantine for a time so they can adjust to the new surroundings. A veterinarian does a physical evaluation and a variety of people interact with the birds to get a sense of their needs. This bird is named Hannah - she's 17 years old.
Different types of birds have different behaviors and health needs and the facility is able to safely separate the birds into different areas. There's an area for cockatoos and African greys, a section for small birds like conures and quakers, an area for Amazons and a space for macaws.
This is the macaw area. There's a "gym" for the birds to play and cages for security at night. About half of the birds live outside of cages full time and most have the ability to fly so they can easily mingle and socialize.
A special outdoor flight area stretches across the front of the building. It's 1,500 square feet, and is partitioned to separate the smaller birds from the macaws.
Part of the rescue's mission is educating the public. No money ever changes hands for these birds - the facility doesn't pay for birds or charge adoption fees. It depends on the generosity of donors to feed and care for these beautiful birds. The costs are substantial and increasing.
Learn more about the Iowa Parrot Rescue here, including how to donate. There are a lot of people in Iowa caring for animals in need. In Springville, Iowa, an amazing nonprofit rescue is caring for unwanted farm animals.
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