THE RAINBOW WARRIORS
THE OASIS SANCTUARY: A Happy Solution
by LOUISE "WIND WALKS WOMAN" BARTON (Cherokee/Mohawk)
By now, those who have read the articles on this site have learned of the problems with illegal capture and torturous treatment of exotic birds -- and the need for larger, permanent, aviaries so that rescued birds might once again fly free. In this sixth article in our RAINBOW WARRIOR series, it is our pleasure to write of THE OASIS SANCTUARY, of Casabel, Arizona, for they are a joyous part of the solution.
Founded in 1997, THE OASIS SANCTUARY is unique in several ways.
First, while other rehabilitaters pray to someday acquire their own structure and aviary to house their feathered charges, the OS has actually done just that! Sybil Erden, Director and Spokesperson for THE OASIS SANCTUARY boasts that this is truly a sanctuary -- and it is the first and only exotic-bird sanctuary accredited by both The American Sanctuary Association (ASA) and The Association of Sanctuaries (TAOS.) OS also maintains a national avian rescue database of individuals and organizations able to assist in the rescue and rehabilitation of exotic birds.
Second, such a structure permits OA to engage in rescues on a grander scale and, at present, this sanctuary is home to approximately 400 birds. Since birds must eat every day in order to survive, a fair question would be: What do you feed them? In answer, OA is proud to say they provide a balanced diet, including pelleted bird food, seed obtained in bulk and mixed to their own formulations, fresh vegetables in season, frozen vegetables, beans, pastas, sprout, and OA's special "Birdie Bread," which is baked several times a week.
Third, while other bird rescuers seek to rehabilitate exotic birds and find good homes for them, THE OASIS SANCTUARY does not put its charges up for adoption. In fact, most of those rescued are either too old, too handicapped, or have suffered too much to ever be placed in a loving home. Take the story of Skippy, for example. This Lesser Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo, suffered through seven homes in his nine years of captivity. The worst of it came when alcoholic owners threw him, cage and all, into a trash dumpster and a psychotic, who had refused medication, burned him with cigarettes. In his efforts to escape, Skippy had permanently shattered his wings by the time THE OASIS SANCTUARY received him. Rightfully, the people at OS figured poor Skippy had long since paid his dues and granted him lifelong sanctuary.
For those of you who have happily chosen feathered companions, it is strongly suggested you visit THE OASIS SANCTUARY web site: http://www.the-oasis.org
Here you will find truly wonderful articles, stories, and tips on how to care for your bird. For example, there are excellent pieces on basic first aid for birds, tips on how to choose an avian vet, and (since parrots may well outlive their humans) how to plan for the care of your pet when you can no longer manage. And their article on inhumane avian practices was an eye opener for, apparently, the AAV condones avian vets performing hideous procedures on pet birds, as long as it is done with the owner's consent and the owner has been "informed." Some gravely disappointed owners insist these vets did not set forth the whole truth, before operations, regarding these monstrously cruel, torturous procedures such as pinioning (permanently removing a bird's ability to fly), devoicing (by cutting or burning), and surgical sexing -- or that most birds don't survive the anesthesia.
It is estimated (based on PIJAC statistics from 1992-1996) that in 2000 there were 60 million birds in 6.3 million U. S. homes and every day, ambitious breeders create even more birds for buyers who are ill equipped to handle them. This is compounded by each bird having a life expectancy of 15 to 100 years, depending upon the breed. With more and more of these unwanted, often mistreated, exotic birds needing to be rescued every day, the burden falls on rehabilitators such as FAUNA RESCUE, INC. (the sponsor of this site) and THE OASIS SANCTUARY.
And such care isn't cheap! These non-profit organizations are run by volunteers -- with directors such as Linda Wisner (FAUNA RESCUE, INC.) and Sybil Erden (THE OASIS SANCTUARY), who draw no salaries and donate both their time and personal funds. Even so, to manage a rescue/rehabilitation/adoption service, including food and medical treatment, brings FR's costs to $30,000 per year; while OS's cost to maintain its grand-scale sanctuary was $180,000 in 2002.
Well, it's a terrible problem, but what can you do about it?
First, there's the usual method, through donations to the Building Fund to aid future construction. Second, there is the Membership drive which supports the daily care of food, housing, and veterinary care. Third, one may become the Sponsor of a specific bird or birds for a year. Sponsors receive updated news and photos of "their bird" and both the sponsor and the bird's name is listed on OA's web site. Lastly, you can get a brand-name retailer to contribute for you.
Stop and think about it!
IF THE MONEY DIDN'T COME OUT OF YOUR OWN POCKET and IF YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO LEAVE YOUR HOME TO DO IT, would you agree to help these worthy non-profit organizations?
AT NO COST TO YOU, merchandisers are standing by to contribute from 5 to 15% from each purchase in your name! Just tap into this advantage by shopping for brand-name items from on-line, quality retailers, at sites that are convenient, secure, and available around the clock, 365 days a year?
To help THE OASIS SANCTUARY, donate through Greater Good.com
Louise "Wind Walks Woman" Barton is listed in the Internet Public Library's Native American Authors Project.
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When it comes your time to die,
be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death,
so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time
to live their lives over again in a different way;
sing your death song and die like a hero going home.
Chief Tecumseh, Shawnee Nation 1768 - 1813