I had met a young woman and her Cockatoo, Bob, at the local pet store where I buy bird supplies. Of course seeing me with bird supplies and talking to Bob, she knew I was into birds. So, we got talking...about birds of course. I told her about Bertie and Chris at the Refuge; she told me about the Feathers In BC bird club. Apparently she is no longer welcome at the Refuge...as are so many other people that I've spoken with. Anyway, she told me when the next club meeting would be and I made note of it. I think that was in September. That meeting was actually the club's major fundraising event. It was held in Nanaimo at a club member's home. Lorne and I attended, planning to join the club. The afternoon was well-organized and well attended, but not conducive to joining. We didn't know anyone there and my back made standing and walking painful. So, we didn't stay long.
I attended the Feathers In BC meeting in October here in Parksville. Again there were lots of people, lots of parrots, lots of parrot foods and toys for sale, beverages and pastries and camaraderie. It was an afternoon meeting so driving wasn't a concern. Babe and I had a good time.
Between that meeting and the next at the end of November, my advocacy for the Refuge parrots began. And hoping to draw support from the members of the club, I asked for some time at the November 24th meeting. I was told that would be fine but to please keep it short. My agenda was threefold:
1. Ask the members to register and support the idea of a volunteer program in the Aviva Competition.
2. Ask the members to join The Parrot Coalition and support efforts to get Wendy to implement the Global Federation for Animal Sanctuaries standards for parrot sanctuaries.
3. Ask the members to sign the petition demanding that Wendy stop taking in parrots until the Refuge complies with those standards.
As requested, I kept my presentation short and explained why I am now advocating for the Refuge parrots and made my requests. My presentation was then followed by the President of the club explaining to the members why the club would not support my efforts. The founding members apparently had already tried to force Wendy to improve conditions at the Refuge some years ago, without success. They apparently found the experience soul destroying. So they had founded the club with the intention of helping and educating parrot owners who were having difficulty caring for their bird(s), and when necessary helping to rehome those birds who would otherwise end up at the Refuge. Today, the club is anxious to keep club experiences positive and helpful to parrots still in the community. The President's presentation was discouraging to say the least. However, when I left for home I had signed up five members for The Parrot Coalition and the petition.
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