Brainy Birds at full capacity and in need of assistance
“At the sanctuary we a holistic approach towards the animals in our care."
With 370 birds in its care, Brainy Birds Parrot Rescue and Rehabilitation is at full capacity and urgently needs support from the community.
The sanctuary has run out of space and cannot take in any more rescues.
To ease overcrowding, Brainy Birds recently unveiled a new dedicated African Grey parrot house on July 30, which already accommodates 78 African Greys.
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The move creates much-needed space for the birds already under the non-profit organisation’s care.
“We need help desperately,” said Dee Hendrickx, founder of Brainy Birds.
According to Dee, Brainy Birds is the only non-profit and sanctuary of its kind. The organisation requires financial support and volunteers to assist with daily operations.
Volunteer Natalie Sutherland explained that volunteers are essential to managing the facility. Duties include feeding birds, meal preparation, cleaning, carrying cages, fundraising assistance, and entertaining the birds.
“At the sanctuary, we take a holistic approach to the animals in our care,” said Natalie.
“It is not enough to keep them safe and feed them the right food; their mental health matters too. That is where entertaining them comes in.”
Volunteers are trained to keep the birds stimulated and distracted. “Even if volunteers can’t sing, they find other ways to entertain the birds,” Natalie added.
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Dee stressed the urgent need for corporate sponsorship and funding. As a section 18A organisation, Brainy Birds can provide documentation for tax purposes.
“We are self-funded, which is extremely difficult right now. We are short of funds every month,” she said. While the charity shop generates income, it is insufficient to cover expenses.
Brainy Birds spends close to R70 000 each month to keep the sanctuary running.
Despite the financial challenges, Dee thanked loyal donors for their ongoing support.
“We are extremely grateful for the community’s unwavering support.”
To help raise funds, Brainy Birds will host a Spring market on September 6 at the sanctuary in Edenglen.
For more information, email deehendrickx@gmail.com, call 079 426 5572, or visit www.brainybirds.co.za
Donations can be made to:
FNB Cheque Account: 62638346678
Branch code: 250655
