Noisy. Messy. Talkative. Curious. Destructive. Demanding. Attention seekers. Good companions. Loveable. Funny.
These are all words to describe parrots. And also some of the reasons they are neglected, abandoned and surrendered to places like Brainy Birds Parrot Rescue and Rehabilitation in Edenvale.
Brainy Birds has rescued and rehabilitated companion birds for many years. The organisation was founded with the goal of permanently homing disabled and abused birds, rehabilitating the ones they can and rehoming them.
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However, their main purpose is providing a place of safety for those who will unfortunately remain permanent ‘sanctuary birds’ for the rest of their days.
Monique Janse van Vuuren said: “I’ve been a volunteer at this sanctuary for over a year. They have over 250 parrots and our duties include giving fresh water and food, cleaning cages, making sure they have toys to keep them busy, give them attention so they can be happy and heal, taking them to the vet if they are injured or sick, and also making sure the sanctuary is clean and tidy for the parrots as well as the people working there.
“You get to know them – who likes to sing and dance, who likes head scratches, who likes to shred newspaper or toys, who is still a bit scared of people, who bites and who needs more attention than others. Some of the parrots have disabilities, you have to make sure their needs are met,” said van Vuuren.
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“You can like a certain parrot and want to befriend them, but parrots choose you. If the parrot likes you, they will come to you.”
Brainy Birds also gives educational talks to schools and companies about the upkeep of parrots and offers services to clip wings and nails, as well as trimming beaks.
They rely solely on donations from the public to keep everything going.
Dee Henrickx, the founder of Brainy Birds, has been involved in bird rescue and rehabilitation or many years and a few years ago took the plunge and officially opened Brainy Birds.
The organisation cares for and rehabilitates over 250 birds of all shapes and sizes, from the smallest budgie to the largest macaws and cockatoos.
“In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of abandoned and surrendered birds. While we are grateful we can provide a place of safety with the appropriate care, this increased intake obviously puts a tremendous strain on our finances,” said Janse van Vuuren.
Their successes over the years include acquiring a property to house the sanctuary, rehabilitating and rehoming about 1 000 birds and constructing a large free-flight aviary.
Normally, the sanctuary will have fund-raisers throughout the year but during the Covid-19 pandemic it is getting more difficult to do so.
If you can help visit www.brainybirds.co.za
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