Seminole County Parrot Rescue: Saving Parrots, Spreading Knowledge, and Changing Lives
Here at Alex’s Bird Kingdom, we’re more than just a monthly bird toy subscription box. We’re a flock of bird lovers who care deeply about parrots and the people who help them.
That’s why we highlight and support incredible rescues like Seminole County Parrot Rescue through our Bird Fun Box by Alex.
This Florida-based nonprofit has been changing bird lives for decades. We had the honor of interviewing them, and what they shared truly moved us.
“Our mission is to provide the best lives possible for companion parrots.”
“We do this not only by taking in, caring for, and rehabilitating the birds that get relinquished to us, but also by providing education, not just to people who adopt birds from us, but also to our volunteers and anyone who reaches out with questions about care and training for their birds.”
That’s what makes this parrot rescue special: They’re not only focused on rehoming birds.
They’re building lasting success through education, compassion, and community.
How It All Began: A Story That Changed Everything
“Over 30 years ago I had several of my own parrots and really loved them and knew I would always have birds in my life. Seeing this great love and my ability to care and provide the best possible life for them, people started bringing me parrots that were in need of a good home.
I visited someone who advertised he would take in unwanted birds and give them a forever home. When I got there, I was horrified to see birds stacked in cages in a hot garage with a few inches of poop and filth on the bottom of the cages. If they had any water at all, it was brown/green sludge. He went around and fed them while I was there by throwing a handful of cat food on the bottom of the cages.
It turned out he would not keep the birds as promised to the owners, but flip them to anyone that would pay. I bought up everything he would let me take right then and there. What I saw has forever stayed in my head and from that moment on, I swore that I would make sure there was a better option for the birds and made sure my name was out there and people knew they had a great place for their birds if needed—until no one ever took birds to him again.
I totally funded everything out of my pocket and eventually, several years later, finally got my 501(c)(3) status so I could at least try to get some donations.”
That story is a reminder of why rescues like Seminole County Parrot Rescue are so essential, and why we include and support them through our bird toy subscription box.
Who They Help
“We rescue all parrot species from budgies and parrotlets to macaws and cockatoos. We also rescue some other companion species such as finches, doves, and pigeons.”
Every bird matters. No matter their size or background, they deserve a second chance.
Rescue Spotlight: Shiner the Sun Conure
“One of them that has stuck out to me was a 26-year-old Sun Conure named Shiner that we got in. Prior to coming in to us, he was being kept in a garage and hadn't been handled in years.
Once he came to us it was clear that he was very scared of stepping up, and for people who didn't respect his space he would bite. When we got him vetted it also turned out he had an E. coli infection.
After we got him healthy and on a better diet, we started working on training with him, and by respecting his boundaries and using positive reinforcement, we got him comfortable stepping up. As he got comfortable with hands, he really blossomed and was just the sweetest guy.
He was with us for almost a year before he got adopted, as a lot of people aren't as interested in older birds—especially one who does take a little more time to earn trust—but he's now in a wonderful home with a family who adores him.”
Everyday Challenges—and Why Help Matters
“We face a number of challenges, but one of the big ones is continued support from the community.
We are almost always looking for volunteers to help us with providing the quality level of care for the birds at the rescue, and we can always use donations as well.”
This is why a portion of proceeds from every monthly bird toy box helps support rescues like this one. They can’t do it alone—and neither can we.
Education is Everything
“We provide in-person training and education for everyone who adopts from us, as well as for our volunteers.
We also have reputable resources on our website so people who are having behavioral issues with the birds, or just general questions, have resources that they can trust.”
This commitment to avian welfare education sets them apart. When people understand birds better, birds thrive.
What’s Next for the Rescue
“We hope to continue operating in our current capacity, but would also like to eventually expand our education efforts to provide classes as well.”
Advice for New Bird Owners
“In addition to making sure you have a good understanding of their basic requirements like diet, enrichment, safety, etc. Also look into positive reinforcement training.
Training makes all the difference in a relationship with your bird long term. It helps them learn behaviors that set them up for success in your home, it creates great bonds, and helps with communication between you and your bird. It’s also very enriching for them.”
How You Can Help
Whether you adopt, volunteer, or simply spread the word, you’re making a difference.
Supporting a bird subscription box like ours Bird Fun Box means you’re also supporting incredible rescues like Seminole County Parrot Rescue.
Want to know more about Seminole County Parrot Rescue? Click here
Let’s keep lifting up the people who show up for birds every single day.
1 comment
I love this! I had the pleasure of meeting Ellen last Summer. I adopted my adorable goofball, Jellybean from The Seminole County Parrot Rescue in September. My sweet Jellybean is a 5-year-old green cheek conure. The Seminole County Parrot Rescue is an amazing place. It is truly a beautiful sanctuary where the birds and other critters are cared for with such love and attentiveness. You can easily see how happy, healthy and comfortable the birds are. Ellen is so thorough when it comes to adopting. She sent me a bunch of excellent resources and provided thorough training. I am so very grateful to Ellen and her staff. Jellybean is a constant source of joy, love and silliness!