Huge public response to B.C. 'parrot disaster'

There's been a "huge" public response to the plight of hundredsof exotic birds at a Vancouver Island parrot refuge that's run outof money, says a volunteer helping with the rescue process.

"So far, we're having a challenge dealing with all the offers,"said John Creviston, a former Calgary zookeeper and a volunteer atthe Greyhaven Bird Sanctuary in Vancouver.

Greyhaven has stepped in to try to raise money and find homesfor the birds at the World Parrot Refuge in Coombs, B.C.

Crevistoncharacterized the situation at the refuge as a 'parrot disaster', with up to 600 abandoned or surrenderedbirds suddenlyin need of new homes.

No succession plan for refuge

The owner of the refuge, Wendy Huntbatch,died in Februarywithout a succession plan for the facility or leaving enough money tokeep it operating.

On Friday, CBC News reported the landlord, who is Huntbatch'swidower,has given the facilityuntil August 1to wind up operations and find new homes for the birds.

Overwhelmed by the sheer number of birds and a tiny budget topay staff to care for them, Creviston says many of the parrots arestressed.

Some may have been treated poorly even before they arrived at the refugeand have issues with self-mutilation,but Creviston says even those birds may yet find homes.

Contact information for potential adopters

"There are a number of people with experience who are preparedto take the stressed birds," said Creviston, who's meeting with the SPCAin Vancouver today to try to sort out the logistics of the massadoption.

He saidanyone who wants to donate money or adopt a bird canemailWPRbirds@greyhaven.bc.caand put the words 'adopt' or 'donate'in the subject line.