In mid-December, a North Carolina resident was charged with animal cruelty and a total of 142 birds and 44 dogs were seized by animal control under the authority of the Catawba County Animal Shelter. The environment the parrots and dogs were found in was described as containing years of accumulated waste; feces contaminated what little food and water was available. Many of the animals were fragile, injured, malnourished and in need of extensive veterinary care.
Charlotte, A Gold Capped Conure
By February 11, 26 parrots – ranging from parakeets to macaws – remained at the shelter and it did not have the capacity or resources to care for the birds any longer. They asked Phoenix Landing for help. We mobilized volunteers and gathered as many new and used cages, travel carriers, parrot food and toys that could be located on 24‐hour notice and moved the birds from the shelter to a donated space in the Hickory, NC area.
Dreamer and Keepher, Blue and Gold Macaws
We usually stress that most of the parrots rehomed by Phoenix Landing are not “rescues,” and come from loving families who for whatever reason cannot continue to care for them. Our adoptable birds generally don’t come from neglectful situations and it does them a disservice to describe them as such; and while we often find homes for birds that have come from shelters, the situation in Catawba County required a more intensive response and substantial resources. These parrots came from dreadful hoarding conditions, and their extended time at the shelter had come to an end.
Eeyore, A Lilac Crowned Amazon
We’re pleased to report that they are already doing immensely better, diving into their fresh food and healthy pellets, soaking under shower mists, and having a fantastic time with some of their new toys from generous donors! Medical support has just begun, and we have high hopes that they will all be survivors and enjoying lives with new families in the near future. Parrots are amazingly resilient creatures and we are confident that they will each have many happier years ahead.
How You Can Help
As our members know, Phoenix Landing is an all-volunteer network which relies mostly on foster families to take care of the 300+ foster parrots in our program. Since the Catawba birds are under our direct care for the time being, we are greatly appreciative for the support and kindness of those who have offered to help.
Most needed are gift cards for grocery store fresh produce, Harrison’s or TOPS pellets, extra large cages in usable condition, new toys, and donations to offset medical costs and other supplies. In addition, Phoenix Landing is looking for foster homes for these birds, so they can be housed in smaller numbers and with more individualized care. However, we are looking for homes without other parrots until we can be sure that they have no serious medical problems that could pose a risk to other birds.
Chatter, A Nanday Conure
Our wishlist:
- Harrison’s pellets
- Full-spectrum lighting
- Grocery store gift cards
- Foster homes with no other birds in them
- Boings and perches
- Big chunky wood toys
- Foraging Toys
- Extra large cages in usable condition (clean, no rust, no broken parts)
Item and checks can be sent via the Postal Service to:
Phoenix Landing
PO Box 1233
Asheville, NC 28802
Donations can also be made via our PayPal link at phoenixlanding.org
Very Special Thanks to Our Volunteers
A big thanks to everyone who helped make this happen at the last minute; and an extraordinary thanks to Teri Rand and Lannie Ellison, daily caretakers of these 26 very special feathered survivors.
