As a volunteer at Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, I’ve seen first-hand how much this sanctuary means to the parrots who call it home. I know, for more than 40 years, the aviaries have offered space, safety, and lifelong refuge for birds who have already suffered so much. Many of these parrots are traumatised and unsuitable for rehoming, and now, as they grow older, the sanctuary is not just a facility—it’s their permanent home, or at least, it has been. Now Raystede are proposing to close the aviaries and move the birds to strange new homes and uncertain futures all over the country!

Parrots are highly intelligent, long-lived, and deeply sensitive beings, often living for decades and forming strong bonds with their environment. Sadly, their complex needs are often misunderstood, which is why so many are abandoned or displaced. Some arrived with legacies; others simply would not fare well in yet another home environment or relocated into a large flock where the stress could be fatal.

Many birds being cared for here have already endured neglect, loss, or repeated rehoming before finally finding some stability at Raystede. To move them now—after years, sometimes decades, of finally feeling safe and settled—would cause unnecessary fear, stress, and harm. These are vulnerable animals who depend entirely on Raystede and the caring team who look after them; they cannot simply adapt overnight to new environments without risk to their welfare. Sanctuaries exist to provide lifelong protection for parrots with complex needs and removing that security now would break the promises they were given.

These birds cannot speak for themselves—but as volunteers, we can speak for them.

Currently, Raystede is going through a restructuring proposal. The consultation is to move away from providing sanctuary for avian species and fowl. The reasons given are ambiguous and seem to shift between financial, strategic, and welfare concerns. While the website presents these changes as necessary, it’s clear to those of us who volunteer that a lack of species-specific knowledge and understanding puts these birds’ lives at risk. 

Raystede says any decision is ‘welfare led.’ But age, behaviour, or disability could lead to a euthanasia decision if a bird is not considered fit enough to be moved, potentially anywhere in the country. They could stay in their aviary sanctuary home and not face those risks. Isn’t there a duty of care, an ethical argument, and a promise to think of? 

What We Are Asking

• Protect the future of Raystede’s parrot sanctuary

• Guarantee lifelong care for the birds currently in residence

• Prevent unnecessary relocation or disruption that could harm their welfare

• Explore and implement viable solutions to sustain the aviaries

Take Action

Please stand with us and be a voice for these vulnerable, voiceless birds. Sign this petition and help protect their sanctuary home—before it’s too late.