A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife

01/13/2023

01/03/2023

12/27/2022

12/24/2022

For those of you who’ve been with the Refuge from the early days, you might remember Harley, a Moluccan Cockatoo who came to the Refuge before we were officially a rescue. A coworker wanted a bird. I found a bird and he asked if I’d go with him. We went and met Harley, a large and very skittish bird. We took him home and when we got inside, my coworker decided he didn’t want him. Of course I couldn’t bring him back so I kept him. He never warmed up to me but he allowed me to pick him up and take him out and put him back in to his cage. Not long after, I took in two female Moluccan Cockatoos (PJ & Peaches) in need of a home. While these two girls were very bonded, PJ shared Peaches with Harley and all was fine. That was until Peaches passed away. Harley was lost and so was PJ. Harley never recovered and that was when I decided to find a home for him where he might have a better chance at finding a new friend. As luck would have it, my friend from Mollywood, Betsy had room for him. Harley lived out there, surrounded by so many wonderful Cockatoos. Under the care of Betsy, he loved and lived a happy life. Harley passed away surrounded by a loving family! Fly free Harley, Peaches will be there to greet you, my friend.

10/19/2022

Good morning everyone! We hope you are all doing well. We’ve entered a raffle through Autohaus on Edens; it’s very simple to help us win. Please visit:

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwoobox.com%2Frcwo33%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3exGOVuwb_UmgAe7pkVeBXqe8JIY0M0q_5jYsFAOjvTfC1PAqIEWjoFGY&h=AT18cNVqxeVbpg6hJgGxAikPT_NmG496VT_4Ocx0eUZb6tz5iiqL7Iah92o0ThEbLelIXtKVmDA7PlWTiCnT5rMArN85nsFNSIsjKmNwJ6l1dX1Fvm0oPZEVhUt-&s=1

once a day to vote for us. Every vote counts so please have your friends and family vote too! Thanks for helping us.

Every month Autohaus on Edens will be hosting the "Autohaus Helps" charity contest to support local organizations.

10/16/2022

One of our adorable boarders, Pixel, jamming to the tunes!

06/30/2022

Exotic Animal Prohibition Alert – Act Before July 4th!

Update to the America COMPETES Act. This legislation includes an amendment to the Lacey Act, that is passed, could seriously impact your ability to travel interstate with your pets (anything other than cats/dogs).

The bill has moved to committee where legislators are voting on what will remain and become law. As an animal shelter for exotics we support some of the bill, but we are vehemently opposed to the Lacey Act amendment which will have a serious negative impact on our ability to properly care for our animals. They snuck this amendment in hoping to get it passed without much resistance. It’s more important than ever to let your voice be heard to prevent this amendment from becoming law. Follow this link to let your voice be heard: https://usark.org/alert/. For more information on the Act, follow this link: https://usark.org/2022lacey/.

06/12/2022

This is a follow up to our post about the abandoned African Grey we rescued in the forest preserves in Gurnee, Illinois two weeks ago. Despite our best efforts and intentions, the organization holding the bird surrendered the bird to another rescue. When I was trying to make arrangements to get the bird, I did feel I was getting the runaround from them when trying to work out the details. We had asked if they were willing to take the bird to Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center for us and we’d pay for all of the disease testing that we require. Then, take him back to their facility to await for the results. They told me they couldn’t leave Lake County. I said I would pick up the bird, bring it to the vet, and return it to them to await for the disease test results. They had to ask their supervisor. I was told I needed to talk to someone else who was on vacation. I contacted the Police department to see if they could intervene to determine how to make this work. Several days later, I’m told the bird was given to another rescue. I really don’t know what to say. Sometimes the path of least resistance is too easy to traverse, foregoing doing the right thing. Sounds like the same thing the person who abandoned him there thought. For those of you that donated to help offset the costs, thanks. I’ll return your checks or tear them up, your choice, just email me at: [email protected] and let me know.

05/29/2022

Zachary - 05.26.22

Wow, where do I begin to describe the excruciating grief and sadness Karen Rae Weiner and I are experiencing? Once again, we’ve been tasked with caring for and helping to end the pain and suffering of our beloved Zachary who fought an incredible battle against lymphoma. Zachary came to the Refuge on April 27, 2004. Her “parronts” got her from a private party in 1982 making her at least 40 year’s old. Our guess is that she was closer to 50. She came in with Rosey (PJ’s girlfriend) and Freddie, a SCC2. Now, Rosey is the only surviving member of the three of them. Five years ago Zach became sick, lost weight and we thought we were going to lose her. She rallied and came back to her loving and feisty self. That lasted for a couple years until December, 2021 when she fell ill again. Because of her medicine regimen and the stress of being around all the other birds, we placed her in my office where it would be quieter and wouldn’t wake the other birds when she needed medication. She was my constant companion; whether I was working out or working on the computer. She dutifully rode on my shoulder and sometimes, on top of my head while I was on the treadmill. Lymphoma, was a death sentence. We had no idea how much time she had left with us, but we worked diligently to keep her as comfortable as possible. She was a real trooper, taking all her medications and fluids four times a day. Her weight fluctuated from a high of 263 grams to an all time low of 211. When she reached that low, we knew her body was beginning to shut down and it was time for her to go. That decision is never easy and feels way too soon. But, in our heads, we knew it was time, our hearts weren’t ready. Zachary left this world peacefully, in my arms, loved right up to the very end. Thank you Dr. Jamie Abete, Maria, Kori, Lionel, and everyone else for all you did to help out little girl, you all made this decision a little easier to bear. Fly free, little one, until we meet again!

05/15/2022

Tonight’s the night! Don’t forget to tune into the Entertainment (E!) to see our guardian Angel, Nikki Glaser’s visit to meet our feathered friends. 9 p.m. CST. Check your local listing for channel/time. If you miss it, you’ll be able to see it later on YouTube.

https://www.eonline.com/amp/news/1330875/nikki-glasers-avian-adventure-turns-out-to-be-for-the-birds-in-hilarious-sneak-peek

In E! News' exclusive sneak peek of this week's Welcome Home Nikki Glaser? episode, Nikki and the gang's day trip to a bird sanctuary isn't what they thought it would be.

05/01/2022

Don’t forget, tonight starts the series on E! starring our great friend, Nikki Glaser! The show’s called “Welcome Home Nikki Glaser”. Help us support this wonderful person who means so much to us.

04/22/2022

The Avian Flu has reached pet birds in Michigan. Read about it here: https://thesalinepost.com/g/saline-mi/n/75299/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-detected-washtenaw-county-domestic-parrots

The parrots at the residence had succumbed to the virus, and MDARD is working with the birds’ owners to finalize a flock plan, preventing further disease spread.

02/26/2022

Papua enjoying breakfast after being terrorized at the vet’s office. None the worse for it though.

02/26/2022

Here’s Papua thinking “Dr. Abete can’t see me here, all I have to do is not move, Hehehe.”

02/13/2022

It has been brought to our attention that there is a bill called American Competes Act of 2022 Lacey Act Amendment. In this 3K page bill, there is a very tiny section about the Lacey Amendment. The bill is very vague and gives gov't complete control over the welfare of your parrot (s) in the future. It states that birds will not be able to travel across state lines. This affects bird owners, rescues, sanctuaries and others. Why is this important for rescues and sanctuaries?

1. You won't be able to take in birds outside your state, whether it's from a person in need of help or another rescue

2. Birds won't be able to go to veterinarians or universities in other states for specialized care

3. If you raise funds by taking your birds to events, you won't be able to cross state lines.

4. In case of emergencies, such as fires, if the birds need to get to safety, where will they go?

I have a draft of a letter you can use, I just ask that you personalize it. Email me if you’d like a copy.

I am attaching more links below to show you the severity of the situation. I have looked up your senators and will post their contact information here. Also, to help prevent the passing of the bill, we greatly urge you to contact the news media to inform them on how this bill will affect you and your care for your birds.

https://usark.org/2022lacey/?fbclid=IwAR1y_uC_Wj8YiTIgTDEnPX7A1w7JWFZrFsiN1PpF2RuKfLnedvqJWbKlIWU

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import-information/lacey-act/lacey-act?fbclid=IwAR0z0UqJLsFX2MIwmE1-YKWWIo_l-FLNZGyYNT3HA00SB6Mhb8CQRKWYWfw

The chances this bill will pass is great as it is dog- eared into a bill that promotes technology and economic growth among other beneficial social programs. They cannot simply cut out the Lacey Act Amendment. They will need to start their bill from scratch. But this IS WHAT needs to be done, for the sake of birds! Please note, any violation of this act once passed is a 10K fine for each animal and/or 1 year in jail.

Your senators phone numbers to contact: are listed below, however, to send the email to them, see the attached list of senator contact emails. The staffers say its important to call after emailing so they can flag the email so they can ensure the Senator sees it.

Follow up with call to DC office for Tammy Duckworth 202-224-2854, and Dick Durbin 202-224-2152

UPDATE 2/4: This bill passed in the House and will go to the Senate. We will adjust our alert to contact Senators at the appropriate time. It was a slim margin with the final vote at 222-210.

01/09/2022

To Our Extended Family,
As we end 2021 and welcome in 2022, we pause for thought. Year three of Covid has affected so many and our hopes for all is that this year will be the one that we can rebound from the pandemic, and we can truly bounce-back, becoming stronger than ever. Thankfully, our extended family blesses us. A family that not only understands our mission but helps to support it too! For that support, every contribution you have given truly honors Karen, me, and our feathered, furry, and scaly menagerie. We wish all of you a brighter, better future in the coming year ahead.
If you need a tax receipt for your donation, please drop me an email, a personal message, a text or a phone call.

Warmly,

Karen & Rich…

02/12/2021

Not sure if anyone was actually able to find this on TV, so here’s the link- enjoy!

https://abc7.com/localish/the-lovebirds-who-love-birds/10330621/

Windy City LIVE

02/10/2021

An interview with the Refuge may air on ABC7 tomorrow (Wednesday)!

From what we’ve been told, Windy City Live will feature The Refuge on their show tomorrow.

I can’t find the program on my TV, but we were told it will air on ABC7 at 1:00.

If you’re unable to find the program on your TV, try Windy City Live’s website:

https://abc7chicago.com/windycitylive/

Fingers crossed it will air and we’ll all be able to enjoy the interview with our favorite rescue!

Erica

Windy City LIVE

10/24/2020

10/24/2020

08/02/2020

Molly 2, proudly showing off his cardboard creation.

08/02/2020

Peaches sure knows what to do with a pacifier!

04/23/2020

Here are some photos of our Zoom Virtual Watch party last night! We’re so grateful to Nikki Glaser for choosing The Refuge for her charity donation! 🦜🦜🦜.

First purchase will be toys...lots of new toys for all our feathered babies!

Thank you, Amy Metzgar, for setting up our Zoom link 😊

04/21/2020

Tune in tomorrow night, 9:00 CST on ABC, to see how far Nikki Glaser goes in her run on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire! She chose A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife as the charity to which she will donate her winnings!

Our parrots are all anxiously crossing their toes with the thoughts of all the new toys the winnings will fund. 🦜🦜🦜🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

Richard Weiner said he was unfamiliar with the comedian Nikki Glaser when the ABC network contacted him in March about Glaser donating her winnings from ABC’s “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” to his Northbrook parrot rescue. “I was ecstatic. I couldn’t believe that we were picked. They rea...

04/04/2020

Tune into ABC Monday, April 6 for "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Secrets & Surprises" at 10EST/9CST. Watch out for the last 10 minutes featuring Nikki Glaser who will be working on behalf of the Refuge 🦜

12/23/2019

A picture of a large shipment of toys plus the aftermath of Molly 1’s gift 😂