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THE REASON
There are
estimates of over 60 million parrots and other captive birds in the
U.S. today. Under ideal conditions many of these birds can exceed
life spans of 75 years, frequently outliving multiple
owners.
These creatures kept as household pets require
endless hours of intellectual and emotional interaction to replace
what they would normally experience in their natural habitat.
Evasion of predators, foraging for food and procreation activities
must be replaced. Inattention to these needs frequently leads to
self-destructive behaviors such as feather plucking, skin
mutilation, screaming and aggression.
Many people make
impulsive decisions to buy a bird and then realize they cannot
provide the safe, nurturing and stimulating environment the bird
demands.
 THE VISION
Austin
Avian Rescue and Rehabilitation will successfully carry out its
mission as a Texas 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation (Federal Tax
Number 74-2979814) by developing a beautiful, natural sanctuary
habitat, in which companion birds can retire and lead safe, healthy
lives. The needs of each individual bird will be considered to solve
behavioral and environmental problems.
Educational and
outreach programs will teach the public more about the lives and
needs of these creatures in captivity and in their natural wild
environment. Austin Avian Rescue and Rehabilitation will promote,
support and participate in avian research and conservation
programs.
Affiliations with major veterinary schools and
other university departments are in place, with more to be
added
FOR DETAILS
ABOUT THE NATIONAL ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND THE US
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COMPLIANCE GUIDELINES, CLICK
HERE
THE
ACTIVITIES
Many birds come from owners who can no longer
provide home for them because of a major life change, ill health or
the owner's demise.
Volunteers and staff spend numerous hours
in support of the people who have to make the tough decision to give
up a cherished pet that has been a family member for many
years.
A newly-received bird at AARR undergoes rigorous
medical testing, with costs ranging from $200 to $800 per bird. Each
bird is quarantined before it is introduced to its new "flock." Then
the process of behavior modification begins, requiring long hours of
training and care for each individual bird as well as the whole
flock.
Our current goal is to buy property for an expanded
new facility, with protected outdoor flight aviaries for the birds
that can acclimate to a flock environment. We hope to provide room
enough for flight, play and foraging space so that the birds can
choose their own mates or companions, as in the wild.
We
create outreach and educational programs on an ongoing basis
to
raise public awareness of the plight of companion birds in our
society and wild birds whose habitat is threatened by
depletion.
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