I recently went to Margaritaville in The Island at Pigeon Forge, and stayed for four days. I noticed an enclosure that was there specifically to advertise Parrot Mountain, by having a live Parrot in it. Even though some may feel that it was appropriately caged, each day there was the same parrot in approximately a two and half-foot by three-foot by four-foot enclosure with no ground to step on, just metal bars, and two main perches. This parrot was giving stress signals and sleeping for over half the day. I watched for people to come and replace the bird or give it care, but to my shock, care was only given once. Not only was it in the hotel, but also a few that were spread out in The Island. These birds were out in an extremely loud and overstimulating environment with no where to go for any sort of relief from 10 am to 11 pm every single day. They did have a much larger cage, but with more parrots in it. These parrots also stayed the whole time that I was there and I saw no care being given to them.

I fully support Parrot Mountain for conserving these animals and love what they do for them, but the use of them for advertisements is contradicting to their program and efforts. 

Parrots are highly intelligent creatures that require proper mental stimulation, social interaction, and proper care. Keeping them in such restrictive conditions is not only cruel, but also detrimental to their health. According to avian experts, prolonged confinement can lead to severe psychological distress and physical ailments.

We must urge Parrot Mountain & Gardens and other establishments in Pigeon Forge to stop using live parrots as advertising props immediately. Sign this petition if you believe these beautiful birds deserve better treatment!