Photo by Dave Location: Bothell, WA Special Needs Aviary with Roger

I’d never been to a parrot rescue before that I felt the need to donate to until I went to Zazu’s House Parrot Sanctuary in the state of Washington. Someone had written on the birdtricks facebook about us needing to check it out and I didn’t really give it much thought other than making a mental note. After all, we were trying to spend as much of our free time as possible with family we don’t get to see very often...   Then one of the cast members sent us a picture from a bird store across the street from the arena. We were with some friends at the time having sushi and they said, “Hey, did you know there’s a bird store across the street from the arena? You guys should check it out.” we were really tired but I thought maybe we’d find some toys for the aviaries since they were pretty hard to come by. So we all went over.   Low and behold there was a huge sign for Zazu’s House and the lady inside couldn’t praise the place enough. When she offered to take us that weekend to see it, I thought, we probably shouldn’t pass up this opportunity... it keeps popping its head in at us, doesn’t it? So we told her we’d see her bright and early Sunday morning to head out there. And we did.  

Photo by Dave Location: Bothell, WA Special Needs Aviary at Zazu's House

The owner, Christy, came out to meet us, along with her husband and a brilliant volunteer there that we had the pleasure of meeting also whose name was Roger. We saw the special needs aviary and the macaw haven aviary, two super large aviaries that were well kept and had more enrichment provided than I’d seen anywhere! I was so, so impressed. And so touched by the stories of the birds there and the story of their start up that I wrote a check at the very end of it all.   I felt so inspired by them and all I wanted to know was how can I take part? So later that week we went back to film a short documentary on Zazu’s House to help raise awareness and get donations... but the best donation you can give is to literally get in there and volunteer your time to these amazing parrots because that’s what Zazu’s House needs the most... volunteers. If you know people in the area or know kids who need something to do with their extra time, please pass the word along and try to get people in there who care and can make a difference. People like Christy (founder), Roger (volunteer) and Bunni (bird shop owner of Apollo's bird store who persuaded us to go in the first place).  

Photo by Dave Location: Bothell, WA Outside Macaw Haven Aviary

 To donate to just learn more about Zazu’s House check out their website www.ZazusHouse.com or watch the documentary on the Bird Tricks: Zazu’s House Documentary by Birdtricks.com.

Article by Jamieleigh Womach. She has been working with parrots and toucans since the age of 17. She isn’t homeless but is home less than she prefers to be. She travels the world with her husband, daughter, and a flockful of parrots whom she shares the stage with.