At Alex’s Bird Kingdom, we love celebrating incredible organizations that dedicate their lives to improving the welfare of parrots.
One such inspiring place is Soaring Spirits Sanctuary, a rescue that combines compassion for parrots with a deep understanding of mental health advocacy.
We had the pleasure of interviewing their founder, Jenna H, to learn more about their journey, mission, and the wonderful work they do.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about Soaring Spirits Sanctuary and how it all began?
A: Soaring Spirits Sanctuary began unexpectedly. I was raised with birds as pets my whole life and ended up taking in a parakeet from work at a nursing home that had suffered neurological issues and lack of care.
Once word got around that I did that, the requests started coming in. I didn't realize how many birds needed a place in our community. I had to get licensed as a rescue if I wanted to continue, and I haven't looked back.
Q: What’s the core mission of your sanctuary, and what sets it apart from other rescues?
A: The mission of our rescue is providing a safe haven for these birds, with an emphasis on mental health advocacy and using a judgment-free approach.
We want people to feel comfortable in any situation asking for help.
At the end of the day, it is us for the birds, so whatever got you into this situation or resulted in the bird being surrendered is not our place to ask or judge. We are just here to help them.
Q: How do you go about rescuing and caring for the parrots that come into your sanctuary?
A: Our birds come in, and we spend every day with them. Our rescue is in-home, and I don't plan to move to a facility because I enjoy being able to spend all day with the birds.
I feel I have had the best success matching homes for our adoptable and deciding sanctioning because of our 24/7 hands-on with each bird that comes in the door.
We really learn each bird's needs, likes, dislikes, and quirks.
Q: Do you have any memorable or heartwarming stories of parrots you’ve helped find their forever home?
A: Every successful adoption is heartwarming. Seeing a bird that’s come from a difficult situation thrive in a new home is incredibly rewarding.
Q: What are some of the challenges you face in your day-to-day work with the birds?
A: We pride ourselves in offering fresh vegetables daily. Plenty of enrichment. Socialization. Vet care based out of State College, Pennsylvania. Grooming. Boarding.
And of course, being mental health advocates for the community. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.
Q: How can people get involved with or support Soaring Spirits Sanctuary?
A: The best way people can get involved or support us is by shopping our Amazon Wishlist—it’s always updated with what we need in the present.
Sharing our Facebook posts—it’s our main platform we use. And helping encourage people they may know needing help to reach out for support.
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about adopting a parrot?
A: The best advice I can give to someone wanting to adopt a parrot is be hands-on.
Research about every species.
Come meet some birds.
Think about their lifespan and make sure you can accommodate them.
Think about all the risks in the common household that can be dangerous to a parrot—are you ready to change all of it?
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your work at the sanctuary?
A: Seeing the transformation in the birds—watching them grow, trust, and thrive—is the most rewarding part.
We pride ourselves in offering fresh vegetables daily, plenty of enrichment, socialization, vet care based out of State College, Pennsylvania, grooming, boarding, and of course, being mental health advocates for the community.
Soaring Spirits Sanctuary embodies the love, dedication, and compassion required to make a meaningful difference in the lives of parrots and their owners.
Whether through adopting, donating, or spreading the word, there are countless ways to support their incredible mission.
Together, we can help give these beautiful birds the lives they deserve.
At Alex’s Bird Kingdom, we’re proud to support amazing rescues like Soaring Spirits through our Bird Fun Box.
Each box not only brings joy and enrichment to your feathered friend but also helps us contribute to the wellbeing of parrots in need.
To learn more about how your purchase supports parrot rescues, click here.