Community Corner
When Pets Live to 60+ Years: Rescuing Parrots
Parrots can live to be 80 and owning one is like having a toddler who never grows up, with the loyalty and engagement of a dog. Wilton Parrot Rescue is unique in Fairfield and Westchester Counties.
Written by Leslie Yager
There is more than one reason parrots should not be kept as pets. With a lifespan of 60 years, sometimes 80 years, the birds often outlive their owners. This is often the case when Wilton Parrot Rescue gets a call.
Samantha Pitera a volunteer at Wilton Parrot Rescue said owning a parrot is a commitment, though one she finds worthwhile herself.
"They have the loyalty and engagement of a dog, but they are like a toddler that never grows up," said Pitera. "If they are looked after properly – with proper diet, enrichment and medical visits – they can outlive multiple owners."
Wilton Parrot Rescue works with a limited number of birds at a time – typically about 15 – and there is a waiting list. According to Pitera the rescue limits the number of birds to how many their volunteers can feed, clean and socialize, as well as the number the rescue group can afford in terms of food, supplies and veterinary care.
Wilton Parrot Rescue, founded by Liz Reicker in 2010, welcomes volunteers as much as they welcome donations. Volunteers receive training and sign up for shifts.
The philosophy of the parrot rescue is that no parrot should be kept as a pet. However, as they are concerned about the birds' well-being in captivity as well as their endangered status in the wild, they take in parrots that have been raised as companion animals and would not otherwise survive in the wild. Wilton Parrot Rescue strives to provide these long-lived, often demanding and very intelligent animals the best homes possible.
The best way to stay up-to-date on Wilton Parrot Rescue activities and events is through their Facebook page.
There is more than one reason parrots should not be kept as pets. With a lifespan of 60 years, sometimes 80 years, the birds often outlive their owners. This is often the case when Wilton Parrot Rescue gets a call.
Samantha Pitera a volunteer at Wilton Parrot Rescue said owning a parrot is a commitment, though one she finds worthwhile herself.
"They have the loyalty and engagement of a dog, but they are like a toddler that never grows up," said Pitera. "If they are looked after properly – with proper diet, enrichment and medical visits – they can outlive multiple owners."
Wilton Parrot Rescue works with a limited number of birds at a time – typically about 15 – and there is a waiting list. According to Pitera the rescue limits the number of birds to how many their volunteers can feed, clean and socialize, as well as the number the rescue group can afford in terms of food, supplies and veterinary care.
Wilton Parrot Rescue, founded by Liz Reicker in 2010, welcomes volunteers as much as they welcome donations. Volunteers receive training and sign up for shifts.
The philosophy of the parrot rescue is that no parrot should be kept as a pet. However, as they are concerned about the birds' well-being in captivity as well as their endangered status in the wild, they take in parrots that have been raised as companion animals and would not otherwise survive in the wild. Wilton Parrot Rescue strives to provide these long-lived, often demanding and very intelligent animals the best homes possible.
- Wilton Parrot Rescue Tag Sale Fundraiser Sept. 27-29, 2013.
The rescue is planning a fundraiser later this month that kicks off on Friday, Sept. 27th with a 3-day sale (10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.) running through to Sunday, Sept. 29th. All proceeds go directly to Wilton Parrot Rescue.
- Open House at Wilton Parrot Rescue Sept. 29, 2013.
On the last day of the tag sale, Sunday, Sept. 29, there will be an open house with a tour of the rescue from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m.
The best way to stay up-to-date on Wilton Parrot Rescue activities and events is through their Facebook page.
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