Reviews of Parrot Island Sanctuary (Zoo)

Danny Fowler

Fantastic place. But don't come here if you're expecting a zoo. And if you're upset about birds being caged that's not what is happening here. It's run by a fantastic couple who will explain everything and teach you quote a bit about parrots. They're all rescues because of how many unwanted parrots there are in Canada alone. Without parrot island I suspect many of these birds would be abused or dead. It's open to public as birds are very expensive. You're coming here for a nice educational experience and to support a good cause. You get to see what you're supporting too. Think of it like you're donating to a charity, but you know exactly where your money is going. I saw some other comments about the birds biting, they tell you before you enter DO NOT PUT YOUR FINGERS NEAR THE CAGE. If you got bit and posted a negative review, you're actually just an idiot. Follow the rules, learn something new and donate to a good cause.

Brian Leung

A interesting stop in the Okanagan.

Kelly Edwards

As much as I appreciate what they do here, it was a super depressing activity. Picture a sad dog pound, but with beautiful birds. Lots of them have plucked themselves so badly. I wouldn't recommend this as a family outing.

Lora Roberts

My family and I learned a lot and really enjoyed talking with Ray. We fell in love with the birds, a few in particular really stole our hearts and we plan on going back regularly to socialize with our new avian friends :)

Krzysiek Derkowski

Worth a visit, your entrance fee contributes to a good cause. I was sad to learn about what happens to so many parrots after their owners are no longer able or willing to look after them.

Emily Nicholson

I hope this wonderful place will be around forever. Such respect for the owners caring for so many cute little (screaming) souls. Such a sweet little place and the man who owns the place was very informative. Would definitely visit when I'm next in the area.

Ciara Marie

Informative, and there is a great cause. However, i found the owner a little bit confrontational, but his heart was on the right place. He cares deeply about these parrots

Scott Kelman

Lots of fun! So many different personalities. Highly recommended.

Himax Patel

It’s a good place to visit specially if you are in the area. The old couple have dedicated their life to take care of these amazing Parrots which would be in trouble somewhere else. The most interesting part of my experience was a Parrot interacting with me and waving his claws to say hello.

David Noce

This was such a neat place to visit! Distress parrots are rescued and you can interact with them. They put on performances for you to get your attention! Haha.

Zi Jian

The family that runs this place is doing it for a good cause. The parrots are lovely creatures and misunderstood to be raised as pets. In reality you'll learn that these lovely creatures belong in the wild and millions become household pets; only to be given up later, as they can only be loyal to one individual person. The parrots loved us and tried to talk to us, that was a highlight of our trip.

Zina Roitman

This place is pretty sad, all these smart birds in the cages looking for attention, feels like jail. And they won't let their birds for adoption only if u have r a single senior.

Daniel Fritter

It's not a zoo or a theme park, it's a wildlife rescue, so don't go in expecting snow cones and whatnot... But it's great that these birds are being looked after and really is an awesome place to visit. I'll definitely never look at these birds the same way again; they're real characters! And really, when was the last time you could go somewhere and actually converse with an animal?

Courtney Baker

I enjoyed my time spent at the sanctuary. It was, however, a real eye opener into the reality of WHY "Parrot Island Sanctuary" is so important in the first place. Every bird there WAS and IS; endangered, completely domesticated and incapable of surviving - unaided - in the wild, and genetically at a reproductive disadvantage because of improper breeding (among many other things). I'm not trying to be a downer on the subject or deter people from going and donating to this noble cause (Being able to see such beautiful birds up close and in person was a mesmerizing experience for me, personally), it was just a very humbling experience to learn the truth about a very important issue (the exotic pet trade), from someone who is so passionate about it and to the perspective of another someone who had no idea/experience of it prior. It has made me think more carefully on the matter and to do some subsequent research, to better my understanding so that I can (in any small way possible) educate those whom which I may encounter -- and who are interested -- on these truly magnificent animals (who are done no justice by my photos). I can only imagine what it would be like to see them in their natural environment, big and small alike, and colourful as well as intelligent. Did you know that some parrot species can live to be over 95 years old!? But don't take my word for it, go see for yourself and ask you questions to those better informed!

Krianne Charell Villa

Very interesting place to learn about parrots. The keeper, Ray, gave very interesting facts about parrots and opens the eyes of visitors about the sad fact of deteriorating number of these birds. I'm so glad to learn about the program that this place run in caring for the parrots. Must visit place when in Peachland, BC.

Courtney McLeod

Absolutely loved this place. Saw the signs along the highway and figured we would check it out. The owners are very informative and passionate about their birds. Learned a lot about these beautiful creatures. Lots of laughs dancing with the birds.

Braylen

Very informational and friendly birds.

Mark Johnson

One of the neatest experiences of my life. Parrots are amazingly interactive and smart!

Lori Duke

This place is great. It is so sad that so many birds need this place but so thankful they are here to help. If in the area please go see them.

Bart Vdh

Thumbs up for the owners who make this possible. This is not a zoo nor attraction, but a real safehaven for neglected parrots. The owner himself would prefer all these birds in the wild and that no humans would have them as pets. These animals are to beautiful and intelligent to cage. Its nice to get the chance to see them and interact with them, but you feel that we shouldnt bring them up this way.

Heather Prescott

I was told by others who had attended in past years that you would get to hold these beautiful birds while a staff member described the story of how each parrot came to the sanctuary. Wrong! We were given a short talk and video to watch then set loose to a dingy backroom area just to watch all these poor souls locked in cages the whole time we were there. Disappointed to say the least.

Maria M.

So sad to see those birds caged up. I'd want to pluck my feathers too. Birds are funny and affectionate, but watch your fingers with some.

Ryan Todd

Loved this place. The owner is super knowledgeable and very passionate about his work. Always sad to see when anyone gives up a pet and these birds are just pure magic and magestic. I highly recommend to stop by.

Lori Gauthier

A must see!

harper harper

Nice place for kids to visit

Heidi

Loved our visit there. Informative owners. The birds are adorable and happy to have you visit. Enjoyed our interaction with many of these adorable birds

doug richards

Great place to visit, beautiful exotic birds

Janis Isaman

Cash only. Interesting, but we drove 40 minutes each way, and it wasn’t THAT interesting Cool to see the different variants!

Chris Reddeman

Not what it once was. Parrot island is a bird sanctuary, not a zoo or a rich learning experience for kids. It's a stark dog kennel filled with bird cages. The birds are being cared for by a wonderful loving couple who keep the birds clean and healthy and social. The couple takes in unwanted birds and places the birds in the care of people who need companions, mostly elderly shut ins by the sounds of it. Some birds are left in the permanent care of the sanctuary. I'm glad this place exists, but I would not visit again.

Janet Davies

Beautiful birds noisy bring earplugs.

Kaeli Crawford

I understand the cause behind this but I'm sorry to express my opinion here and say that NO "sanctuary" believes nor accepts being kept behind bars! A sanctuary is a place of freedom (to degree) and security. Life cannot be had being kept behind bars

Tony

Visited Parrot Island during our summer vacation with the kids. The owners are very nice people, passionate about the birds, and are very informative about what they are doing. This is a rescue facility and its amazing how the birds are affected and need to be loved and treated. They all have their own personalities and made us as parents laugh and the kids giggle and dance with them. We would definitely recommend people go see the birds, donate to the cause of the sanctuary, and become more educated about parrots. I agreed 100% with the owners; they should be left in the wild. Not as a pet

Rodney Hiebert

You get to see parrots and talk with them, and I'd gladly take this place over when the time comes.

P Smith

Very well run sanctuary. Well worth the admission price. Friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable management. Highly recommended ????

Jonathan Cole

Great place to visit.

K Halley

An absolute delight. We always love a visit to the sanctuary

ceilidh stump

We visited the first week of September, and enjoyed it greatly. We were all very moved by the stories of many of the birds, most of them solely due to the fact that owners did not honestly anticipate the longevity of the commitment and the effect the birds would have on their lives. My husband and I were considering getting a bird prior to our visit, and have now agreed to put it off, considerably, and research further into what type of bird would be our best fit. We will also likely go with a rescue. Thanks to the hosts for an educational and enjoyable visit.

Raj Shrestha

Too noisy good for kids

Debra Peters

Loved the birds but made me kinda sad to see them in cages

Sharon Merritt

This Rescue Centre brought tears to my eyes. These beautiful birds have been abandoned and a wonderful lady has a ranch in Peachland to take them all in. She also gives a home to abandoned horses The Parrots range in small to over 3 feet long and many of them talk. They all need new homes and if you wish to donate the Auxillary of Women give you a Tax Receipt. They need an Avairy to fly instead of a small cage. Please consider this charity.

Devon Windsor

Cool experience. Pickles did not like me. Moved across the cage to dance next to my boyfriend hahaha

Hilda Maurice

My daughter and I went there while we were exploring BC......beautiful birds....well looked after and loved

Scott Poley

Really fun and great to learn about these beautiful animals.

Tom W

Don't go in expecting a large zoo, as this is a refuge for about two dozen parrots which you'll never see this variety together indoors. They will surprise you in several ways. The owners will provide a brief education and answer your questions on these unique birds, but any future parrot owner should come here first before buying one in the pet store.

Victoria Darcel

they are entertaining and it's interesting to learn about, like interacting with the birds

Veronica Parkes

It is truly wonderful to see people so passionate about parrots dedicated to conservation and education. Thoroughly enjoyed the birds (although, if you don't like loud noises this isn't for you). I fell in love with a few of them and never wanted to stop giving them head scratches.

Martin Hooper

They do a wonderful job of taking care of unwanted parrots. So sad to see people not doing their homework before buying these birds

Trevor Buchanan

Great place to visit when in the area. Gotta love the parrots!

Toby Stupp

Lovely place. Wonderful people

David Meunier

Neat spot. Kids enjoyed it. Some of the parrots talk a little. You'll leave having learned something new about parrots. Owner is nice. Tour is a bit short but cost is low and funds to to a good cause.

Sean Savard

Glad someone was looking after abandoned pets. My kids liked interacting with the more social birds.