For many parrots, a new life begins at Port Orchard Parrot Rescue & Sanctuary, where healing and hope take flight.
Founded in 2009 by Phyllis Penland, the sanctuary has been a safe haven for parrots and their families in crisis. After Todd Penland, her son, took over in 2016, the mission of offering temporary and permanent homes for parrots continued.
Recently, however, the sanctuary has experienced a surge in the number of birds coming through its doors.
“We had nine birds come in within two days, which is very unusual,” Penland said. “I found homes for three of them, but I still have six budgies left that I haven’t been able to place yet.”
The sanctuary is home to 10 permanent residents, including three African grey parrots, two sun conures, three budgies, and two macaws—one greenwing and one blue and gold. The birds have sanctuary status, meaning they will stay there for the rest of their lives. Other ones are available for adoption.
Among the longest residents are Zaire and Simba, two African grey parrots who have lived at the sanctuary for over 12 years. Both arrived after their owner left for a church mission and could no longer care for them. While their stories are the same, their behaviors differ greatly.
Zaire is more reserved and cautious, due to past trauma. “He loves people, but he doesn’t want to be touched by them,” Penland said. “He always comes right up to the edge of his cage, or if he’s out, he’ll follow people around the building.”
Penland said of Zaire’s trauma: “I heard from my mom that he was attacked by a dog at one point in his life, and that might have something to do with his behavior.”
Simba is more affectionate. “She lets me pick her up and gives me kisses,” Penland said. “Simba loves attention.”
Running the sanctuary involves daily tasks. “Parrots are high maintenance because they’re so smart,” Penland said. “They want attention, generally speaking, so we try to make sure we’re constantly socializing with them.”
The day starts at 10 a.m. “We feed them twice a day, water them twice a day and clean their cages,” Penland said.
Volunteers assist with the tasks. One comes twice a week and does everything, he added.
That volunteer, Wendy Balduf, said, “I like volunteering here because of the interactions I get with the birds and knowing I’m helping them. Socializing with them is my favorite part of the day, and having them step up to my finger and trust a human. But my most of all favorite is seeing one of our rehomable birds get a new loving home.”
Penland shared his most rewarding moments on the job. “The biggest reward is when a bird picks somebody,” he said. “It’s almost like magic when you see it happen. The bird will just attach itself to somebody right off the bat.”
He finds it especially rewarding to see a bird bond with its new home. “That’s always the best feeling.”
Running the sanctuary can be hard.
“The biggest challenge is just keeping up with everything,” Penland said. “It’s a seven-day-a-week job, and you never get time off. You can’t leave them alone, even on the weekends. I’m here every day.”