Cape Fear Parrot Sanctuary Rescues 6 neglected birds and experts warn of widespread misunderstanding of parrot care

NEW HANOVER, NC (WWAY) — Cape Fear Parrot Sanctuary has taken in 6 birds rescued from a home in Wilmington. Birds, they say, were no longer being properly cared for.  

Ces Erdman, Director and Founder of the sanc

tuary, says owning a parrot takes long-term commitment and planning.   

“You know, bottom line is, most people can’t keep a dog for 10 years, so how are you going to keep a parrot for 40 or 50? It’s a commitment and so you have to have a plan,” said Erdman.  

Parrots are highly intelligent creatures and require specialized care. 

Amelia Mason is the Director of Skywatch Bird Rescue.  

She says parrots are living in homes with people who do not understand their needs. 

“We have people adopting these animals that need high level of experience, knowledge, skill, environment, space, provisions, and all this stuff, and they’re just not getting, you know, a small percentage of what they need,” said Mason.  

Erdman says sometimes parrots become accustomed to the neglect they’re living in. 

“Parrots are very hearty animals, so I mean, sadly, they can live in those situations for a while, you know,” said Erdman.  

Mason says neglect can happen out in the open, even places you wouldn’t expect.   

“Parrots in cages at the lobby of a golf course for example, or at a smoke shop, or a tattoo shop will have a bird and a parrot, a parrot in an enclosure and he’s being severely neglected, people just don’t really know what they need and so their needs are often misunderstood and overlooked,” said Mason.