Mission Statement

The purpose of the Society is to promote a better understanding of and care for hookbills and other cage birds through education of its members and the public, and to support avian conservation, medical and other avian research.

 Total Donation - $1,700
November 15, 2003
1st Annual "Flying into Knowledge" Seminar
 

 Total Donation - $3,100
October 23, 2004
2nd Annual "Flying into Knowledge" Seminar
 

Total Donation - $3,300
September 24, 2005
3rd Annual "Flying into Knowledge" Seminar
 

Total Donation - $4,000
September 30, 2006
4th Annual "Flying into Knowledge" Seminar
 

Total Donation - $6,200
September 29, 2007
5th Annual "Flying into Knowledge" Seminar
 

NIPS Donor Recipients

Branson W. Ritchie, DVM, Ph.D.
Psittacine Disease Research Group
University of Georgia - College of Veterinary Medicine
  
Dr. Branson Ritchie is internationally recognized for his contributions to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in avian and exotic companion animal species. His two textbooks, Avian Medicine: Principles and Applications and Avian Viruses: Function and Control, are highly praised and widely used. Dr. Ritchie’s research team has developed serological tests and DNA probes for beak-and-feather disease and polyoma diseases as well as diagnostic tests for avian adenovirus. He has isolated and characterized the viruses that cause psittacine beak-and-feather disease and PDD disease. His research group has also developed a vaccine for Pacheco’s disease, Chlamydia, and polyomavirus, which causes a fatal disease in psittacine birds.

Keven Flammer, DVM, Dipl. ABVP (Avian)
Companion Avian Medicine Research Project
College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State Univ.

Bacterial and fungal diseases are among the most common medical problems encountered in companion birds. Dr. Flammer and co-researchers have been investigating improved ways to control and treat these diseases for the past 25 years. He has developed safe and effective dosage regimens for several antimicrobial drugs to treat infections in psittacine birds caused by Gram negative bacteria (e.g. E. coli, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas), Chlamydophila psittaci (chlamydiosis) and yeast (e.g. Candida). He is currently working on ways to deliver antimicrobial drugs via medicated food and water to make treatment easier for birds and bird owners. He is also working on improved methods for treating the fungal disease, aspergillosis.

Tambopata Macaw Project - Peru
Donald J. Brightsmith, Ph.D., Research Associate
Duke University - Department of Biology
  
The Tambopata Macaw Project, which began in 1990, is a long-term multidisciplinary study of natural history, conservation and management of large macaws and parrots. Topics of study include monitoring and observation of the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) nests, increasing young Scarlet Macaw chicks survival rate, documenting patterns of clay lick use by large macaws and other parrots, determining if ecotourism has an negative effect on clay lick use, and documenting the survival and reproduction of hand-raised Scarlet Macaws in the wild, in both Peru and Costa Rica. Volunteer opportunities are available. Tours to see the macaws at the clay lick may be arranged through Rainforest Expeditions, who also assist in this project.

Parrots International
Mark L. Stafford, President
Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Project
  
Parrots International is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, not for profit, organization with the goal of benefiting parrots everywhere by promoting and fostering international cooperation. It's ambition is to promote the conservation of endangered parrot species and to improve the lives of companion parrots. Parrots International works in cooperation with other conservation organizations, donors, field research teams, responsible aviculturists and parrot clubs to propose, develop and fund conservation projects throughout the world. They support conservation via aviculture and emphasize "in situ" conservation with the premise that: "Conservation Happens in the Wild." Additionally, they promote the education of the public and parrot owners on the proper care and unique requirements of healthy, happy companion parrots.

Project Parrot Watch & Indonesian Parrot Project
Stewart Metz, MD - President

The primary mission of Project Bird Watch & Indonesian Parrot Project  is to conserve and protect the endangered wild cockatoos and parrots of Indonesia, while providing sustainable alternate means of income for local villagers in order to reduce trapping and bolster self-esteem. Ultimately, their goal is to change attitudes of the Indonesian people and those throughout the world, to see these creatures as priceless treasures for all generations, and as intelligent sentient beings. Project Parrot Watch is an all volunteer 501(C)3 California nonprofit tax-exempt organization.

RARE
U.S. Headquarters - Arlington, VA

Rare's mission is to protect wildlands of globally significant biodiversity by enabling local people to benefit from their preservation. Although Rare’s name and programs have evolved a few times since the organization was founded 30 years ago, the essence of Rare has remained the same: supporting the efforts of conservationists around the world to save magnificent natural landscapes and irreplaceable wildlife. They accomplish this by turning average citizens into life-long advocates for the environment, by giving communities a voice in conserving their natural resources and by helping individuals better their lives through more sustainable livelihoods. Rare has ongoing projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America and The Pacific.

National Aviary - Hispaniolan Parrot Conservation
Dr. Todd Katzner - Director of Conservation and Field Research
Dr. Steven Latta - Assistant Director of Conservation and Field Research

The National Aviary is America's only independent indoor nonprofit zoo dedicated exclusively to birds. It was one of the first zoos to present its collection in free-flight rooms and natural exhibits. The Aviary was privatized in 1992 and a year later, by declaration of the U.S. Congress, the Pittsburgh Aviary was designated honorary national status and renamed the National Aviary in Pittsburgh. In 2006, the Sociedad Ornitológica de la Hispaniola, with support from the National Aviary, initiated an innovative pilot campaign to help conserve remaining populations of the Hispaniolan Parrot in the Sierra de Bahoruco. The project has two major components: Educational Outreach, and Research and Monitoring. Each component has its own set of objectives and activities organized as follows: Educational Outreach - Involve and build capacity of local communities in Hispaniolan Parrot conservation and habitat stewardship, through educational outreach and field training of school students; provide field training courses and stewardship education to school and biology students, as well as birdwatchers in order to advance protection for this threatened species; develop and disseminate information on Hispaniolan Parrots in the Dominican Republic, emphasizing their distribution and habitat preferences, basic biology, and needs for conservation. Research and Monitoring - Develop new methods to repair nests of Hispaniolan Parrot at study sites in the Sierra de Bahoruco; conduct focused surveys for Hispaniolan Parrots and locate parrot roost sites; develop new demographic models of Hispaniolan Parrot populations to determine the effects of parrot chick poaching and to assess extinction risks.

ARCAS
Guatemala - Macaws Without Borders

ARCAS is a non profit Guatemalan group formed in 1989 by Guatemalan citizens. who became concerned as they saw their precious natural heritage - especially their wildlife - rapidly disappearing before their eyes. It was originally created for a very specific and urgent purpose: to build a rescue center to care for and rehabilitate wild animals that were being confiscated on the black market by the Guatemalan Government. Since its establishment, the ARCAS Rescue Center has grown into one of the largest and most complex rescue centers in the world, receiving between 300 to 600 of more than 35 species per year. Their Macaw Without Borders program is for the captive breeding of scarlet macaws. ARCAS has two locations in Guatemala and also does work conjunction with the Columbus Zoo.

Kaytee Avian Foundation
BioBrasil Foundation - Hyacinth Project

Currently, thirteen thousand acres have been purchased in the southwest part of the state of Piaui, Brazil. In this cerrado habitat (dry grassland with gallery forests and cliffs) the Hyacinth Macaw finds plenty of palm nuts and perfect nesting cavities in the red, cliff faces. BioBrasil manages the area as a preserve for the endangered macaws and many other avian species, as well as the endangered Maned Wolf. Along with grants and other funding the preserve is also maintained through ecotourism. Ecotourism will, in the long run, prove self-sustaining and will benefit the community by providing employment. Visitors have an amazing opportunity to see Hyacinths in their natural habitat. An additional 10,000 to 15,000 will be purchased in this same area. Ecotourism is growing and local people are employed in various jobs: guides, hosts, cooks, etc. for the increased number of visitors.

The Alex Foundation
Dr. Irene Pepperberg - Associate Professor, Brandeis University
Waltham, MA

The Alex Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The goal of The Alex Foundation is to support research that will expand the base of knowledge establishing the cognitive and communicative abilities of parrots as intelligent beings. These findings will be used to encourage the responsible ownership of parrots, conservation and preservation of parrots in the wild, and veterinary research into the psychological diseases and care of these birds. Through these efforts, The Alex Foundation and Alex will live on and will accomplish its mission to improve the lives of all parrots worldwide.

 

American Federation of Aviculture (AFA)
Disaster Fund
Austin, TX

The American Federation of Aviculture (AFA) is a nonprofit national organization established in 1974. Its mission and purpose is to promote the advancement of aviculture through educational programs that enable better husbandry, management, and living conditions for exotic birds; promote avian research and conservation; keep members aware of legislative issues that affect aviculture and keep legislators aware of the need for fair and equitable regulations. They also represent the avicultural community at CITES meetings. The goal of AFA is to insure long-term, self-sustaining populations of exotic birds both in captivity and in the wild. During Hurricane Andrew, the AFA established a Disaster Relief Fund to assist aviculturists who have been affected by natural events such as hurricanes, wild fires, earthquakes, etc.

Stillman Nature Center
Barrington, IL


Stillman Nature Center, is a 80-acre preserve located on the south side of Penny Road, between Bartlett and Algonquin Roads in Barrington. They are privately funded and welcome your membership contributions, large or small. Contributions such as this helped them build their accessibility trail in the nature preserve. Stillman Nature Center's principal mission is hands-on environmental education. They accommodate a variety of groups, from second graders doing a pond study to Harper College students learning arboriculture. Their programs are aimed at teachers as well as their students. Last year, Stillman joined the ranks of the Museum Partners Science Program which is supported by the Chicago Systemic Initiative and a Scientific Literacy Grant. What this means is that last spring, 25 fifth through eight grade science teachers attended a wetland and birds seminar here at Stillman as part of a graduate credit course.

Spring Brook Nature Center
Itasca, IL
 

The Village of Itasca’s Spring Brook Nature Center is located behind the Itasca Library and Water Park at Catalpa Avenue and Irving Park Road. It includes a building and 2 miles of trails and is open year-round. The Nature Center offers programs and classes throughout the year covering everything from prairie fires to snowshoeing. The Nature Center strives to provide a wide range of fun and educational classes on natural history to the public. Spring Brook Nature Center’s Raptor Program provides interpretation and information on birds of prey such as hawks, owls, and falcons. In addition, the Raptor Program rehabilitates injured birds of prey and has an internship program. In keeping with its mission, the Nature Center is actively working to recreate a native prairie on the grounds, complete with indigenous grasses and flowering plants.

The mission of the Niabi Zoological Society is to constantly improve the educational value of the Zoo through continuous expansion and upgrading in the areas of exhibits, research opportunities, educational and volunteer programs, and personnel training. The zoo was named Niabi, which means "young deer spared by the hunter" in the Osage Indian language. The zoo grounds cover forty acres, and an additional 200 acres is set aside for native flora and fauna preservation. Niabi is home to over 900 animals representing more than 160 species. Approximately 250,000 visitors a year make Niabi Zoo one of the largest attractions in the Quad Cities. The zoo grounds also offers a playground, a train ride, picnic areas and concession stands.

Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Zoological Society
Brookfield, IL
The donation to Brookfield Zoo was restricted to be used for behavior enrichment items for birds in the Perching Bird House. Since there are numerous species in this house, the choice of items was left up to the keepers and staff. Enrichment items, which enhance the well being of the birds, may include toys or food items.

Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago, IL
The donation to Lincoln Park Zoo was restricted to be used for behavior enrichment items for birds in the McCormick Bird House. Since there are numerous species in this house, the choice of items was left up to the keepers and staff. Enrichment items, which enhance the well being of the birds, may include toys or food items.

The Oasis Sanctuary
Phoenix, AZ

The Oasis Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization for captive exotic birds. They are a refuge for parrots, cockatoos, macaws and other Psittacine birds. As a true sanctuary, they do not offer birds for adoption, but do refer birds requiring re-homing to bona fide adoption programs around the country. They are a rescue and retirement facility for predominantly CITES I and II endangered birds. They offer birds a stable and loving home for the duration of their natural lives. They do not sell or breed birds, nor do they offer birds for adoption. They provide permanent Sanctuary to any Psittacines who have no fatal, contagious disease but are otherwise unplaceable in a home. The Oasis Sanctuary is the first exotic bird sanctuary to have dual accreditation from the American Sanctuary Association (ASA) and The Association of Sanctuaries (TAOS).

Phoenix Landing

The Phoenix Landing Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit all-volunteer organization. It was established to promote and protect the welfare of parrots, especially those with an extensive lifespan. Phoenix Landing provides for parrots in need and acts as advocates for those without protection. There objectives are to: Provide educational activities regarding the care and needs of parrots; Facilitate adoption for parrots who need a new family; Help parrots who outlive their guardians to find a new home; Find new homes for neglected or unwanted parrots; Sponsor research of wild habitats and natural parrot behaviors; Support conservation and eco-tourism; Sponsor better avian education for vets and vet students; and Advocate standards of care for breeders, pet stores, sanctuaries, and rescues.

The Gabriel Foundation
Denver, CO

The Gabriel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization licensed by the state of Colorado as a rescue and rehabilitative organization dedicated to the welfare of companion parrots. The purpose of the Foundation is to serve as a research and educational model to the public-at-large, the veterinary community, the pet industry, humane animal welfare organizations and to the avicultural community. The Foundation educates the public about the importance of providing appropriately for the welfare of parrots in captivity, often through rescue, rehabilitation and sanctuary programs for psittacine birds and the need to preserve the world’s parrots in their wild habitats. The Foundation is a nationally recognized parrot welfare organization that provides for the complete physical, psychological and environmental well being of the parrots in its care whether they remain in sanctuary, or transition to adoptive or foster homes. Every decision to either accept a parrot into the organization or to place a parrot into another situation is based on the individual bird’s best interest and the well being of the present flock. Our restricted donation will be used in The Gabriel Foundation's Capital Campaign to build a new aviary and education center.

The Tropics, Inc., Exotic Bird Refuge is an organization solely dedicated to providing care for handicapped and unwanted pet birds. In addition, the organization provides educational and animal assisted programs to the general public in every effort to reach the masses with a message of education, therapy and responsible exotic bird ownership.

Iowa Parrot Rescue

The Iowa Parrot Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit rescue. They are a small rescue/ adoption / rehabilitation facility located in Eastern Iowa. They do a little rehabilitation, some adoptions, and provide sanctuary for some of the birds that come to them. They have placed hundreds of birds in loving homes.

A Place to Call Home is located in Creston, Ill. where unwanted parrots from the Midwest area can find loving homes. Birds are veterinarian checked and given any special care, including rehabilitation and behavior modification, to assure the best quality of life possible. Great care is taken to find them a long-term, loving home with a new family. There is a classroom to hold sessions to teach the latest in bird care and there is also a retail store. A percentage of all profits go to support the rescue birds.

C.A.R.E. provides for the needs of all exotic birds and educates the public about those needs. They find loving, permanent homes for adoptable birds and provide permanent housing for birds unable to live in a typical home environment. C.A.R.E. depends solely on private donations. Their shop sells cages, perches, play stands, toys and other bird-related products. All proceeds from sales at the shop go back into funding C.A.R.E. Inc.