How We Spell Rescue                                                                                                               

Rehabilitation –   Physically and psychologically.
Education –         Health, nutrition, interaction, community involvement.
Sanctuary –        A safe haven for birds at risk.
Commitment –     To ensure all birds are treated humanely.
Understanding – Compassion to caregivers who can no longer keep their bird.
Enlightenment –  Alleviating the anxieties associated with companion birds.

What is Greyhaven?
 

Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary is a registered non-profit society that rescues, rehabilitates and cares for unwanted, injured, orphaned, abused, neglected and abandoned exotic birds. Greyhaven provides sanctuary, rehabilitation, consultations with our avian vet when health care issues arise, and a daily monitored dietary regime consisting of high quality seeds, pellets, vegetables and fruits.

 

Greyhaven actively promotes avian welfare and awareness in the community through educational seminars and presentations to local schools, colleges, clubs, and other organizations. Our goal to help people understand the level of devotion and commitment it takes to share one’s home with a companion bird.

No member of Greyhaven receives monetary remuneration, including its Board of Directors. Our organization is solely operated by volunteers who generously devote their valuable time to the well being of the birds that are under the care and protection of Greyhaven. We are strongly committed to the welfare of our birds, and dedicate each and every day to providing the highest level of care.

We rely entirely on donations and fundraising to defray costs. The challenge for Greyhaven is to find the resources to care for the ever-increasing number of birds entering its facility. There are over 100 birds in our care at all times. Due to the large numbers of birds and limited resources, we are forced to turn birds away almost daily. Medical expenses, food, cages, toys and essential equipment are ongoing expenses. Our current facility is inadequate. It is too small to house the number of birds in our care, it has a leaky roof and no quarantine facilities. We desperately need a new facility that can meet the demands of caring for these intelligent creatures.


A Bit of History
 

Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary was founded in 1998 by several dedicated individuals who recognized that there was a fundamental need for a safe haven for birds who were abused, neglected, abandoned, orphaned, or their caregiver could no longer look after their bird due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

Greyhaven’s original premises were located on the second floor of Knott’s Nursery and comprised of approximately 200 square feet. There was no running water and volunteers had to transport water back and forth for cleaning cages, bottled water was provided to the birds for drinking and bathing. During the winter months a heavy plastic enclosure had to be erected to provide protection from the cold weather and the only heating source were two oil-filled heaters. During the summer months, the volunteers would mist the birds continuously to keep them cool as the temperatures could reach 30c.

 

The premises were then developed and constructed solely by volunteers and through the generosity of volunteers and a few suppliers, the majority of the building materials were paid out of their own pockets. The premises had encompassed approximately 500 square feet which we have outgrown and we are canvassing all areas in the lower mainland for larger premises or a small parcel of land.

 

Some Quick Stats

Greyhaven started out with 6 volunteers we now have over 70 and encourage individuals and families to become part of our team.

Approximately 200 members pay membership dues and have a democratic right to vote on major issues affecting the operation and future of Greyhaven.

Greyhaven averages 115 successful adoptions per year, 35 foster homes provide quarantine protocols, and palliative care.

We average 40 birds on site and our numbers can increase dramatically when there are multiple birds placed for adoption. In one phone call, the numbers may increase by 15 birds and quickly fill any vacant space.

 
Wherever we are needed in the community, our volunteers will bring their birds to educate and entertain groups of all ages.

No one receives monetary remuneration as everyone is a volunteer including the Board of Directors & Coordinators.

Medical costs can easily exceed $10,000.00 per year; feed costs are high as we do not scrimp on providing the best seed mixes, pellets, treats, and of course, there are miscellaneous expenses which tend to use up any extra funds we have in reserve. We are seeking corporate sponsorships or benefactors to help us with our increasing operating expenses.

Dr. Anne McDonald D.V.M. is an executive board member providing veterinarian care to all our birds and is integral to all medical alerts which are of public concern.

For More Stats- CLICK HERE

 

E-mail: info@greyhaven.bc.ca