Brainy Birds appeals to community to help make a permanent nest
The Edenglen non-profit organisation (NPO) needs money to buy the property it is renting.
Brainy Birds Parrot Rescue and Rehabilitation Sanctuary requires R1-million to keep its doors open to continue helping exotic birds in need.
The Edenglen non-profit organisation (NPO) needs money to buy the property it is renting.
Originally started at founder Dee Hendrickx’s home, the NPO cares for abused and abandoned exotic birds.
There are 250 birds in the NPO’s care.
Although Dee thanked the property owner for offering the sanctuary to purchase, she said it would be difficult for the sanctuary to do alone.
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“As a non-profit organisation without any confirmed income, it is impossible to get a mortgage, so we are appealing to the community.”
She said the organisation was previously offered land in Witbank and Kempton Park, but to move the birds and structures would exceed R1-m.
“It would also put unnecessary stress on already traumatised birds,” said Dee.
“I live in Edenvale, so it is ideal that the sanctuary is right here in case anything goes wrong.”
Dee said the Brainy Birds team has invested and improved the property over time and hopes to continue doing so.
She explained that because the NPO does not own the property many of the plans have not been implemented.
“Once we buy the property it will be registered in the sanctuary’s name, which will allow us to obtain the necessary licence.”
By registering the NPO, Dee hopes to prevent the land being developed and leaving the bird homeless.
Once the organisation has its licence, Dee hopes to open a small coffee shop and educational facility for the community.
She also hopes to have guided tours at the property which will assist in generating an income and educating the community.
“I would also like to open a small exotic bird clinic and give back to the community where I can.
“The community has helped us so many times so I also want to be able to help them and their birds.”
Dee believes if the R1-m is not raised it will mean the end of the sanctuary.
Of the 250 birds, 180 of them can never be re-homed because of the abuse they endured previously.
“This sanctuary is my life. I have been helping birds for 40 years and in the last five years on this property we managed to grow and help more birds,” said Dee.
To assist with donations visit www.brainybirds.co.za or send an email to Dee at deehendrickx@gmail.com
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