Parrot Island Sanctuary

One of the great stories of 2001 in Peachland, BC was the formation of the Friends of Parrot Sanctuary Society. A group of people became involved with Parrot Island Sanctuary, a facility for unwanted, abandoned or abused parrots, which is the life’s work of Ray Parkes and his wife Val. The Parkes’ large family of beautiful, noisy, exotic birds were in need of some ongoing and reliable funding for food, medicine and upkeep of their habitat. The group decided to form a Society to assist with the ongoing needs of the birds that live at Parrot Island.


On May 4, 2001, the Friends of Parrot Sanctuary Society received its Certificate of Incorporation as a not-for-profit Society, and on October 22nd became a registered charity, able to raise money for the care of the parrots and issue tax-deductible receipts to those who contribute.

The Sanctuary itself is located at 5090 MacKinnon Road in Peachland and is open to the public. To get there, go up Trepanier Bench Road, bear right at the top of the hill, continue down Cousins Road then turn right at MacKinnon. You are there!

Adopt-A-Parrot Program

Ray and Val Parkes have initiated a very successful program which allows people to “Adopt-A-Parrot” without actually moving them from the Sanctuary.

You may choose an “Adoptee” for its personalty, beauty or any other winning trait which takes your fancy. For $35 per year, the parrot will be yours to visit as often as you wish, to bring toys to and otherwise keep up to date on your feathered son or daughter. You will find that it doesn’t take long for your adopted offspring to recognize you and give you a great welcome when you come for a visit.

Please contact Ray at the Sanctuary to find out more about this program and which of the many wonderful birds needs an adopted family! Call Ray at 250-767-9030. P.S. If you adopted early last year, please consider renewing your adoption.
Visit the Parrots

The birds love visitors. They will greet you with some loud and raucous calls when you enter their house. They are bright, curious, vocal and interested in almost everything. Parrots live the same relative life-span as humans and have some awesome brain-power. Scientists have studied parrots for years and one such researcher said that he felt quite sure the parrots were studying him at the same time! Never underestimate the intelligence of a parrot.