This week on All My Children Wear Fur Coats we had the pleasure of speaking with Karrie Noterman, manager and owner of Wingspan Parrot Sanctuary.
Karrie fell in love with birds at the age of 9, and has been involved with birds ever since. She has worked and volunteered at different organizations related to birds such as SeaWorld, Parrot Jungle and Gardens and the National Aviary, which has given her a wide perspective on birds, from training and shows to zoo and exhibit management. She believes that parrots are not domesticated animals, but wild animals that have been tamed, and that understanding this is important for providing them with the best environment and meeting their needs. She advocates for people to consider the consequences of owning a parrot before bringing them into their homes.
Wingspan Parrot Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing quality care for parrots, particularly those that have been unwanted or mistreated. They provide an environment for the birds, with plenty of enrichment and human interaction.
They focus on providing the best quality of life for parrots, particularly those that have been rejected by breeders or pet owners due to their wild or aggressive nature. The sanctuary has some of the largest aviaries in the country, allowing the birds to fly and exercise, while also maintaining a home-like environment. Their goal is to provide long-term care for birds and to make sure they are taken care of in the best way possible.
“So if you’re looking at parrot ownership and you’re thinking in your head, oh, cage, food, water, then I can pet it and listen to it talk and do all these fun things. That is not the equation that you need to be looking at. Which is why these animals are so often rehomed, because we really have given them the credit for being these amazing, emotional, socially intelligent, complex animals.” – Karrie
They accept donations and also allow people to “buy a parrot spot” to sponsor a bird in their care. Additionally, they also provide training and resources for parrot owners to help them better understand and care for their birds. The organization also partners with local animal welfare organizations to assist in rescuing mistreated birds and provides foster care for them.
Learn more about Wingspan Parrot Sanctuary.
Visit their website at www.wingspanparrotsanctuary.com There you can learn more about who they are and how to contact them.
Our pets are family too! To learn more about protecting your loved pets with a Pet Trust, visit ACT4Pets.org.
