At Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary, we often meet people who love parrots and want to share their lives with these extraordinary animals. Their beauty, important to understand that parrots and other exotic birds are not domesticated animals, and that difference matters deeply for their welfare and for ours.
What “Domesticated” Really Means
Domestication is not the same as taming. A domesticated species has been selectively bred by humans for thousands of years to live alongside us. Dogs, cats, horses, and chickens all evolved through generations of breeding that encouraged calm temperaments, predictable behavior, and dependence on human care.
Parrots and most exotic birds, by contrast, are only one generation, or even directly removed, from the wild. No amount of hand-raising changes their fundamental instincts. Their minds and bodies are still wired for survival in jungles, forests, and grasslands, not living rooms.
Wild at Heart
Even when raised from a chick, a parrot’s natural instincts remain strong. They are intelligent, social, and emotional, but prone to frustration when their needs are not met. In the wild, parrots fly miles every day, forage for food, and interact with large flocks. In captivity, lack of space and stimulation can lead to screaming, feather plucking, biting, and depression.
Their intelligence, which makes them so fascinating, is also what makes it difficult for them to keep content and healthy in a home setting. Parrots form deep bonds with their chosen flock, whether human or avian, and separation or neglect can cause serious emotional distress.
The Challenges of Keeping Exotic Birds as Pets
Many people adopt parrots without realizing they can live 50 years or more. They require daily care, mental engagement, and specialized diets. They can be loud, destructive, and incredibly demanding of attention. What starts as a well-intentioned act of love can become overwhelming for owners who are unprepared for responsibility.
This is one of the reasons so many parrots end up in sanctuaries like ours. They are not unwanted. They are misunderstood.
How Sanctuaries Help
At Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary, our goal is to provide a safe and enriching environment for these birds to live out their natural lives. Each parrot and exotic bird that comes to us has its own story. Some were surrendered when their humans could no longer meet their needs. Others were rescued from neglect or unsafe conditions.
We do not yet have all the aviaries we need to give every bird the space and environment they deserve, but we are actively fundraising to make that vision reality. Our new aviary designs will allow the birds to stretch their wings, enjoy sunlight and fresh air, and live among others of their kind in natural social groups. Every donation helps us move closer to creating these permanent, species-specific homes where birds can thrive for decades to come.
Your support makes a real difference. By contributing, sharing our mission, or visiting the sanctuary, you become part of a community dedicated to protecting the wild spirit within every bird. Together, we can ensure that these incredible creatures live safely, loved, and free to be themselves.
Volunteering at Gilcrease Animal Sanctuary is more than just community service—it’s a labor of love. Whether you’re looking to earn school or job-related volunteer hours, enjoy being outdoors, or want to give back to animals in need, we welcome compassionate individuals who are ready to roll up their sleeves.
You’ll help care for over 200 animals, maintain their enclosures, support our sanctuary grounds, and get hands-on experience that makes a real impact.
