Long ago, when we dreamed and planned, we named our home Sanctuary. We built and continue to build a symbiotic environment for birds and mammals. This was called a "hobby", when in truth it is our entire way of life. We accept anything with feathers but especially the infirm, the hunger and the orphaned. We also have accepted a miniature horse, goats, chickens, dogs, cats and two llamas. Have a look!
Sanctuary
Who are we?
We are Jim and Jean Gibson of Weatherford Texas. I am a retired nurse and Jim is a custom home builder.We live on five acres in the Texas horse country. We are a Non Profit Texas Corporation and have submitted our 501C3 application to the IRS.
What do we do?
We accept any and all unwanted, deformed, abused and neglected pet birds. We have built a large aviary for many of the smaller birds to free fly. Others are in cages in our home. They are all fed, watered, interacted with daily, and warm in winter. In summer we cool with fans and misters.
Currently we have about forty parrots, macaws, amazons, love birds, cockatiels and conures. Some have broken wings that were never set, so they can't fly, a couple have spinal deformities so they can't walk, but fly like eagles. A few are missing toes and a foot. Some are feather pluckers that have permanent feather loss. Some are old breeder birds that are no longer productive, don't like people and just want to spend the rest of their lives peacefully. They are all welcome.
What is our experience?
About twenty years ago we were sub-permitees under Pierre and the late Ann Bradshaw of On the Wing Again. We handled transportation, flight conditioning, raise rats for raptor food and rehabbed song bird until release. We stopped doing wild birds for a couple of year until a chance encounter with an avian vet, who asked us to take an unwanted exotic bird. From that one has come the forty and there will be more.
What is next?
The recession has hit all of us and the birds. People that love their birds but can no longer afford the expensive care have to make sacrifices. They are parting with their birds. Breeders are finding a slower market and are reducing their flocks. Our personal resources are stretched, so we have to be sure that the birds are protected long term. So Jim and I have taken steps to create a Non Profit organization for rescue birds, and animals
We are organized, building a volunteer team. Soon we will have birds for adoption, foster care of special birds and our a pet therapy programs. Membership is open and we looking for volunteers to spend time with the birds to socialize them and do some cleaning.
We are excited, so join us and be involved. Saturdays are our Volunteer Days but call first so we know you are coming.
Jean B. Gibson
Weatherford, Texas USA
