THIS IS A HIDDEN PAGE! DO NOT "GO LIVE" WITH IT!  THESE ARE LINKS TO BE INACTIVE FOR ANY GIVEN TIMEFRAME.

Happy Birthday, Matt!

Would you like to work at Project Perry? 

Are you hard working and willing to take on the very important responsibility of caring for the innocent parrots that reside here?  Click a Grey and apply today!

When visiting Louisa, please consider stopping to visit with some of our amazing local supporters!

***In order to be considered for hire, you will be required to volunteer 2 days with on site accommodations.  Read the information in black and white BEFORE applying***  

- You must still send in the requested information prior to the required volunteering.  If you are considered for employment, you will be invited to volunteer and see EXACTLY (an idea of) what would be expected of you if you were to be employed here.  YOU ARE NOT guaranteed a job position here even after volunteering.  This is considered a longer in person interview.  This is required because most applicants do not understand how this job position will literally become your life-

This position is more than just a "job".  This position is long term.  It is not meant to be a "pit stop" on your way to what you feel might be bigger and better things.  This caretaker position requires a serious PASSION for parrots.  You will not "get rich" working here.  What you will find; is an incredible purpose to your life.  You will have the opportunity to make a difference in the world, especially for the residents at Project Perry.  We are dealing with living creatures here, not inanimate objects such as files that you can leave on a desk when the "work day" is over.  This needs to become your life.  Leaving every "weekend" or "days off" for the duration is unacceptable.  This will need to become your home.  It needs to become your life.  Emergencies can happen at any time and we may need extra coverage, meaning you could possibly be called to cover various duties.  Of course you would be compensated for that time.  Bottom line, understand that this would need to become your life.  You would need to be ready to live HERE.  You are also welcome to live in town or close by if you prefer that over the trailer on site here.  Keep in mind, utilities and "rent" are covered if you live here on site in the trailer.  You will not be paid more/compensated finacially if you decide to live close by off site.  

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Could this "job" be your PASSION?

IF you are interested in Lifetime of Care... There is a procedure that MUST be followed or you will NOT BE CONSIDERED. 

See our Lifetime of Care page to begin.

Click for Lodging!

Project Perry Caretaker Cabin

Full-Time Caretaker

Louisa, Virginia

Send Resume and letter to:  matt@projectperry.com or mail:  PO BOX 1208 / Louisa VA / 23093

Level/Grade I

Type of position: Part time, Full Time & Live On-Site Full Time.  

• Housing may be provided.  (Possibly, this will be discussed at the time of your application.  There is absolutely NO guarantee that you will be provided housing until you have been able to prove yourself as an asset to the sanctuary).  

• A 600 sq ft cabin with full amenities or a two bedroom trailer 2017 model with constant full hook up. (photos at bottom of this page)

• Hours:  40/wk. on average

• We also offer health care coverage with 50% of the premium covered monthly by Project Perry.  It is available 90 days after employment hire date.

General Description

The role of the caretaker is an important one, ensuring that the animals are treated properly and receive high-quality care so they may flourish at the Sanctuary.  The caretaker must maintain a close working relationship with the Executive Director to ensure they properly complete tasks as assigned by the Executive Director.  While these tasks will vary, it may include any combination of the following:

• In the morning, aid in the preparation of the fresh fruit and vegetable mix

• Prepare food trays and dishes

• Clean cages, flighted rooms and food preparation areas

• Rake in new mulch in outdoor aviaries

• Ensure temperature and humidity levels are bird-safe, both indoors and in aviaries

• In the morning, follow protocol to ensure food quantities and placements have been followed, as well as daily cleaning and monitoring procedures

• In the evening, follow protocol to ensure all birds are appropriately and safely housed, climate controlled environments are at proper levels for temperature and necessary preparations for the next morning have been completed.

• Monitor birds for hazardous or detrimental behaviors

• Aid in aviary construction (able to lift 50 pounds)

• Special projects as designated by the Executive Director or Senior Staff

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While this job posting is geared towards looking for an entry level caregiver position, we are also open to hiring someone with a higher level of supervisory experience and education to fulfill such a position within our team. For such a candidate, a higher pay amount may be negotiated and duties and requirements are more. 

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As of January 1st, 2019, we now offer Group Medical Insurance to all full-time employees after 90 days.

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YOU MUST HAVE YOUR OWN RELIABLE VEHICLE!

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Compensation

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Starting salary is $27,600 / yr.  ($15,600 by bi-weekly paycheck and $12,000 rent and utilities benefit).

Those with an animal care related degree such as LVT certification and related experience may negotiate for higher initial pay.

An increase in wages is based on annual evaluations.

Opportunity for promotion in an always growing animal welfare organization.

​

Work and education experience requirements

High School Diploma or GED

Parrot / Exotic Bird Experience not required but preferred.Will Train!

Please send us the following

Your Resume along with no more than one page telling us why you would like to live and work at the Sanctuary.We will be considering applicants until the position is filled.  Salary is negotiable but rent and utilities (up to $50/mo. electric) will be covered by the Sanctuary so please keep that in mind when applying.

Click Here for aviary news!

Full-Time Caretaker

Louisa, Virginia

Send Resume and letter to:  K.ProjectPerry@gmail.com or mail:  PO BOX 1208 / Louisa VA / 23093

Level/Grade I

Type of position: Part time, Full Time may have the option to Live On-Site.  (Not guaranteed) 

• Housing may be provided to full time hire.    

• A 600 sq ft cabin with full amenities or a two bedroom trailer 2017 model with constant full hook up. (photos at bottom of this page)

• Hours:  40/wk. on average

• We also offer health care coverage with 50% of the premium covered monthly by Project Perry.  It is available 90 days after employment hire date.

General Description

The role of the caretaker is an important one, ensuring that the animals are treated properly and receive high-quality care so they may flourish at the Sanctuary.  The caretaker must maintain a close working relationship with the Executive Director to ensure they properly complete tasks as assigned by the Executive Director.  While these tasks will vary, it may include any combination of the following:

• In the morning, aid in the preparation of the fresh fruit and vegetable mix

• Prepare food trays and dishes

• Clean cages, flighted rooms and food preparation areas

• Rake in new mulch in outdoor aviaries

• Ensure temperature and humidity levels are bird-safe, both indoors and in aviaries

• In the morning, follow protocol to ensure food quantities and placements have been followed, as well as daily cleaning and monitoring procedures

• In the evening, follow protocol to ensure all birds are appropriately and safely housed, climate controlled environments are at proper levels for temperature and necessary preparations for the next morning have been completed.

• Monitor birds for hazardous or detrimental behaviors

• Aid in aviary construction (able to lift 50 pounds)

• Special projects as designated by the Executive Director or Senior Staff

​

While this job posting is geared towards looking for an entry level caregiver position, we are also open to hiring someone with a higher level of supervisory experience and education to fulfill such a position within our team. For such a candidate, a higher pay amount may be negotiated and duties and requirements are more. 

​

As of January 1st, 2019, we now offer Group Medical Insurance to all full-time employees after 90 days.

​

YOU MUST HAVE YOUR OWN RELIABLE VEHICLE!

​

Compensation

​

Starting salary is $20,800 / yr.  (FULL TIME EMPLOYEES MAY BE OFFERED HOUSING AFTER A PROBATION PERIOD.)

Those with an animal care related degree such as LVT certification and related experience may negotiate for higher initial pay.

An increase in wages is based on annual evaluations.

Opportunity for promotion in an always growing animal welfare organization.

​

Work and education experience requirements

High School Diploma or GED

Parrot / Exotic Bird Experience not required but preferred.Will Train!

Please send us the following

Your Resume along with no more than one page telling us why you would like to live and work at the Sanctuary.We will be considering applicants until the position is filled.  Salary is negotiable but rent and utilities (up to $50/mo. electric) will be covered by the Sanctuary so please keep that in mind when applying.

Set up your sponsorship by entering the monthly sponsorship amount here!  It will be set to deduct from the account you choose, automatically! 

Project Perry Merchandise Store

 All proceeds benefit the residents of Project Perry 100%!!  

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Project Perry, Inc. on February 20, 2014.  On August 25, 2017, we received our reaccreditation and continue to operate by GFAS standards.

Accredited means that Project Perry, Inc. meets the comprehensive and rigorous definition of a true sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of parrots and other birds, meeting rigorous and peer-reviewed standards for operations, administration, and veterinary care established by GFAS. The accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and government agencies to recognize Project Perry, Inc. as an exceptional sanctuary.

Project Perry, Inc. is an Accredited in Virginia by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

For rescue situations, you must fill out the Lifetime of Care application and let us know that it is a rescue situation.  We specialize in Wild Caught Parrots with our open free flight aviaries.  

Due to the rising costs of operating the Sanctuary, we are increasing the Lifetime of Care Financial Fees for some of Lifetime of Care categories effective Nov. 1st, 2019 for NEW applicants. This is the first time we have increased the fees since the program began over ten years ago. In order to maintain responsible finances for the direct care of our residents, and after much consideration, this was a necessary step. Please review the new fees listed below.  This price change does not mandatorily affect current Lifetime of Care Members.

Read this page FULLY and follow the directions or your request will NOT be considered.  Thank you.

Due to the large number of requests for birds to live as permanent residents at the Sanctuary, we now have a mandatory form for you to fill out so we may review these requests to our best ability.  Acceptance of birds depends on available resources such as space and funding.  All requests will be reviewed and considered, however submission of a request does not imply or guarantee acceptance.  If we are able to accept your bird as a resident at the Sanctuary, you will hear back with us within 2 weeks of submitting the request.  We may need more information from you in order to make a final decision.  Decisions are made by Staff and/or Board Members of Project Perry Inc. based on how well we feel the bird(s) will integrate and thrive in one of our environments.  You must fill out the form on the next page in its entirety and email it, along with at least two photographs but no more than five, to matt@projectperry.com to be considered.  Photographs must have good lighting and clear & focused of your bird(s) and your bird’s current environment.  Even after submitting this form, please continue to research other options for your bird’s placement in the case that we are not able to accept your bird(s).  Failure to provide us the requested information, including photos, will result in your request to not be considered – the more detailed information you can provide us, the better it will help us to make a decision.  If you do not wish to place your bird(s) with us at this time but are instead interested in Estate Planning for your bird’s future, please contact us separately in email or phone.  Thank you for your consideration to entrust us with your bird(s).

Fee Structure

• Small birds - $250 one-time fee (Parakeets / Finches)(NO increase)

• Small birds - $1,000 one-time fee (Cockatiels)($250 increase)

• Medium birds - $1,000 / yr. (Conures / Quakers)($250 increase)

• Medium birds - $1,200 / yr. (Amazons / Greys)($200 increase)          

• Large birds - $1,500 / yr. (Macaws)(No increase)

Project Perry, Lifetime of Care Program
We DO NOT "adopt" birds into the sanctuary, nor do we accept "donated" birds.  For your bird to live here, you will have a financial obligation to support your bird for the remainder of your bird's life in order for it to live here.  Also, keep in mind that we are only able to consider accepting a bird into the Lifetime of Care Program if we have room available. 

I have read the above information.  I understand that there is no guarantee that Project Perry will accept my bird to live at the sanctuary. 

I understand that I will need to fill out the form on the next page completely to be considered.

Lifetime of Care, Roberto

We’d like to share our story about Roberto and Project Perry.  My family has always been animal lovers and throughout the years we've shared our apartment with fishes, turtles, hamsters, birds and cats -  great critters we either bought or were nursing back to health after finding them hurt. All of our pets eventually passed or were set free and for many years our home was empty until one day my sister and I wandered into a pet store (something we don’t ever really do) and our attention was caught by several large birds. One beautiful African Grey in particular caught our attention; he was foraging against the door of his small cage and it broke our heart to see him locked up. They took him out of the cage for us to hold and he nestled under our chins immediately - it felt like a sign and we felt an immediate connection. We left but the grey did not leave our thoughts and we took our parents back to meet him. The parrot had a very similar reaction to being held by our father and mother and he started to vocalize. It was not long after that that we purchased Roberto. (Side note: We were sorely ignorant that this kind of purchase supports breeding that is often unregulated, abusive and ultimately the source of the many problems these birds face.) We were so excited to have him with us and offer him love and a bigger home.  We purchased a large cage for him that took up a third of our living room and also created a play area for him with real branches.  Once it was finished we picked him up from the store. He was a loving , vibrant, talkative and an intelligent little guy who warmed our hearts every day and enriched our lives especially our parents' who were retired when we bought him. 

Eight years went by and life threw us a curveball - our parents would move away to South America. Despite all our efforts to keep him engaged it was not long before we realized that Roberto was home alone too many hours of the day and that he was not himself. We went back and forth with the thought of finding a better home/life for him.  Saddened by the realIzation that he would have a fuller life elsewhere our search for sanctuaries began. We searched for months and we finally came across Project Perry. From the moment we saw the short video of Matt sitting in the Grey Aviary we knew we had found a home for Roberto.  Just looking through their website we could feel dedication of this sanctuary to their mission and we decided to make a trip from New York to Virginia to visit and meet Matt and Kirah. Our trip only confirmed our gut feeling about what a wonderful place this was.   They took the time to show us around and sit  with us for two days to inform us on every aspect of the site and work and answered our questions so we could really understand the kind of care Roberto would be given.  Our second trip was with Roberto and it was one of the hardest things our family had to do - saying farewell to our little guy. The first couple of days and months were hard for us and I'm sure it was hard for Roberto. We kept in contact with Roberto through videos , pictures and Face Time and were also given updates all the time which made us feel like we still had a connection - all of which made the separation a little easier to bear. 

It's been one year since we left him at Project Perry and we packed up a third time to go visit him. We were just a ball of emotions, excited to see him, afraid he might not recognize us or that our visit would be detrimental to his well being and sad that we would have to leave... I am happy to say that within the first few moments we were certain that this was the best decision we could have made for Roberto. Matt, Kirah and the volunteers are such amazing people, the truly have a calling for the work they do and are dedicated to these birds in a way that we ourselves might never have been. Their lives are centered on caring for these amazing creatures. They know each bird by name, their personalities, likes and dislikes  - we have never witnessed such love, devotion and passion to one's "job." All the residents at Project Perry are just blessed to have these people in their lives. We trusted them with what was most precious to us and they have exceeded all of our hopes. All are so very cared for and loved. Should there be any doubt in your mind of whether or not you should place you feathered buddy into a Lifetime Care Program please put it aside. I think the biggest misconception is that once you leave your bird it’s not “your” bird anymore, if you've watched the video of our visit you can see within seconds that this idea is far from the truth. Distance and time aside, your bird will always be yours and the bond that you have will always remain. Everyone at Project Perry is honestly there for the birds’ wellbeing and they will do everything to see this through.   They are great about keeping you in touch with your loved one. They encourage contact as much as possible which is something you should take advantage of! Trust me the birds won't resent you. Roberto recognized us right away when we walked through the door.. We also noticed he has a relationship with everyone at Project Perry and most importantly he seems more balanced and we know this comes from spending time with other birds. He had never looked or behaved better and he still has all the quirks that make Roberto, Roberto. Saying goodbye to him again (although very hard) was a bit better this time around.  We left with peace in our hearts and minds knowing that because of Project Perry Roberto has two families.

Thank you Project Perry for all that you do 365 days a year.   Your foresight and tenacity will ensure a very successful future!

Thanks to all who took the time to read about our journey. 

Meet Roberto.  He is here on Lifetime of Care.  His family will sometimes facetime with him and came to visit with him in October 2016.  We encourage a relationship with your bird even after they are put here.  They will always be your bird... and they never forget you.

Lifetime of Care, Mr. Magoo (Gooey)

Gooey is a wild caught Timneh African Grey. He was purchased by his loving owner in Africa. When she saw him, he was a fresh caught baby Timneh surrounded by sick and dying birds in a crate. Sadly, she could only take him as so many others were so far gone. When the time came, she filled out all of the legal paperwork, he went through U.S. quarantine, and eventually was placed here to live out the rest of his life.  He is much loved and has a great personality.

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Lately, Gooey's age is catching up to him a bit.  So we felt that it would be a good idea for a visit with our exotic specialists for a check up.  He was seen by Dr. Neilson at SEAVS in Fairfax, Va.  We invited his owner to meet us there to be a part of his appointment.  This is just one of the many things that we are willing to do for our wonderful Lifetime of Care Members.  We want owners to always remain in the life of their precious bird should they choose to do so!  

Lifetime of Care, Kiku's Dad

Pumpkin's Family Visit

Lifetime of Care

Matt and I receive MANY emails from people interested in starting a rescue/sanctuary like what Matt has created here.  I finally remembered to SAVE what I wrote to an interested party, and I am posting it here.  Perhaps we will add to it over time as more questions are asked.  NO question is stupid, dumb, or a waste of our time. What Matt has created is a success, and if you want to follow in one of the most successful sanctuary’s footsteps, then read on.  I wrote this from what I have learned.  –Kirah 4/12/2019

(Rough Draft - hopefully someday I'll have the time to finish this up and add more information! :-))

The first thing I’d recommend is figuring out how big you want to be.  How many birds would you be comfortable with taking on. A lot of what I will be telling you is from what I have learned on my own adventure here.  I have learned a lot.  After 5 years, I’m still learning.  I’m not biased when I say that Matt is second to none when it comes to what he has created. No one else has created structures like this with the live vegetation the way that he has.  The natural ground, the natural trees and plants, and then the choice to be in or out of the elements is all for the birds to choose. There are no “bars” for them to look through.  They can live as birds without the threat of predators or searching for food and water. The reason I’m telling you this is because if you should decide to start a sanctuary, make sure you do it right. Also, understand that it is going to take YEARS.  Unless you are independently wealthy, you are going to need donors.  In order to get good donors, they need to be able to trust you with their money.  For that to happen, you need to create a reputation, and that is HARD.  You need to be transparent, honest, and open to the public so that they can see first hand what you are doing, especially donors. Donors have the right to see where their money is going.  A sanctuary is nothing without their donors and grant contributors.

I wanted to start my own sanctuary as well, but I lived in the city. I envisioned the same type of enclosures that Matt uses, but I learned that I didn’t think it through 100%. What I mean by that is, I didn’t think about the heating/cooling issue.  I didn’t think about the fuel to heat.  I didn’t think about the cost of land.  Whoa… $$$$.  Neighbors don’t want to hear birds that can compete with the decibel level of a jumbo jet. You need land and you need space. I thought about taking the birds into free flight aviaries inside of a building during inclementweather if I were to start a sanctuary/rescue.  That would cost significantly more.  Two separate large free flight areas?  Moving a hundred or more birds back and forth safely?  No way.  $$$$ Even after seeing what Matt has done here, I know “how” to do it, but I can’t do it.  Building these structures is hard.  Really hard. If it’s not done right, it will fall or become damaged.  If the foundation isn’t done correctly, then you risk predators getting in and killing your birds.  After it is built, you have constant upkeep that needs to be done for sanitation and structure safety.  It takes more than one person to do this, and you have to be sure that any partners are the real deal, because if they’re not, mistakes are going to happen.  You will fail the birds you set out to help or save. The crazy thing is, Matt did this on his own.  It’s not something the average person can tackle.  Matt is a marvel.  There is really no other way to explain it.  He started VERY young and he gave up everything.  He gave up his life 100% for the birds.  That is not an understatement, that is the truth.  You have to be ready to do that, and that may mean doing what he did.  He didn’t have a “job”.  He had donors in the beginning that knew him, knew his dream, and they believed in him. This was his job 100%, and for many years, he didn’t get paid a salary, he just worked and had whatever he brought with him when he started Project Perry, like his little truck.  Every cent went to the birds, and he ate enough to stay alive and strong enough to work for them.  Not for himself, for the birds.  I’ve seen the financial records from the very beginning for Project Perry.  I couldn’t have done it.  No way.  

Please understand that I’m not trying to crush your dream, I am telling you the side that I didn’t see until I came here.  I don’t feel like my dream was crushed, I feel like I am living my dream. Matt did the hard part (hehe) and I am honored that he wants me to be here to help in continuing the success here. 

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If you decided to just have a warehouse or birds in your home as your sanctuary/rescue, then you have your home being *potentially* damaged. There is no way around that when it comes to birds.  Especially if you bring in volunteers.  They will NEVER have the same standards as you would have as a sanctuary director.  They’re not going to be as careful as you in most cases and they will cause accidents. They will also destroy your house by running into things, breaking the items you use for cleaning.  I think at one time we went through a vacuum cleaner every 3-4 months.  Trust me, I know first hand.  

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HVAC systems can fail from dander, so filter changes are a requirement often.  You need to have regular maintenance on the HVAC system.  There can also be human lung issues if you don’t move the air or filter it correctly… I can go on but there are other things to address.  

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Cages are time consuming to clean.  Dishes, bars, grates in the bottom of cages.  It all must be sanitized and put back together.  The more birds you have, the more mess on your floors and walls.  The more time you need to clean all of the cages.  Our outdoor aviaries have so many red wiggler worms brought in to eat the food waste and bird waste which keeps it sanitary.  It also creates a fantastic dirt that birds love to dig in.  The birds don’t eat the worms, but if they were to, the worms are harmless.  The more birds and cages means the more TIME you will need to get things done, while trying to get your reputation and sanctuary established.  More birds means the more money you need to raise for proper diet. Proper diets are expensive.  Human quality foods should be available with fresh produce.  That gets expensive quick.  Once people know you take in birds, they will want to bring them to you in most cases as a “donation”.  As if it is free to care for their bird.  Haha. Thankfully, most people understand that it costs money for them to care for their bird, so obviously it will cost money for us to care for their bird.  That is where our Lifetime of Care Program comes in. 

Our frames… lets start with what is under those frames.  We will use the 1,250 sq ft aviary as example because it is our smallest structure size out here.  A professional contractor has to come in and clear land.  Then level the land.  After that, trenches are dug down at least 3 feet, and at least 2-3 feet wide. This keeps predators from getting in by digging.  They’d have to dig down three feet, over 2-3 feet underground, then up another 3 feet. That’s not going to happen.  It is imperative to have predator proofing. Foxes, Coyotes, Racoons, etc are in cities as well as the country.  They will try to get birds.  The trenches are filled with cement and leveled.  After the groundwork, we bring in Carolina Carports.  Steel Framing is put up and leveled by professionals.  It is important that all of the ground work is done properly before the frame is set on it.  By the time you are done with groundwork and frames, you are looking at around $12,000 – $15,000.  After the groundwork and the framing are brought in, then it is taken over by Matt and the rest of us as needed.  Depending on the aviary size, you need a larger fan to move the air in the summer. You don’t want the inside area to get too hot.  You must close a section for those cold winter nights, but you want to allow natural light in for the birds.  Polycarbonate should be high quality to stand the test of time as well as for it’s insulation properties.  Polycarbonate for the 1,250 sq ft can run around $8,000.  Next you have the Fan, Stainless Steel Mesh, Electricity, Propane Lines, and the Heater you are looking at around $10,000 - $12,000. Obviously the larger you go, the more it costs to build.  The generators are important for when you lose shore power.  You can’t be without power on a cold night or super hot day. Heat and air movement is crucial. The fan and the heater are both powered by electricity which is why generators are so important for back up. Propane provides the heat.  The propane has exhaust outside of the aviaries so that no one is poisoned by fumes.  Polycarbonate has fantastic insulative properties as well as allowing light in so it is the best choice for insulating the structures.  Now, throw in the fees charged for labor when digging and installing electric lines and propane lines as well as hooking them up. Don’t forget that you have to run a water line as well.  

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How our generators work… They are hooked to the shore power electric source by a professional electrician and then the gas company runs the propane to the generator for fuel. When the generator no longer detects electricity, the generator battery kicks in and pulls from propane.  Like a car would use gas to power itself and run the engine, the propane fuels the generator engine.  The generators need to be serviced often as well as the HVAC.  Generators are expensive, and hooking them up to your main shore power is expensive as well.  Once it is all done, you must always maintain it and be ready.  Propane for the winter here with 3,000 gallons can run anywhere between $10,000-$15,000.  You can see why donors and a very good reputation is important. They are the lifeblood of the sanctuary. Without them, we are nothing.  We are not independently wealthy here (I wish) and they make what we do possible.  They are a huge part of our team.  Always treat your donors with the utmost respect.  Again, they make it possible for us to do what we do. Transparency and honesty are so important.  I can’t stress it enough. 

Aviary cleaning, the outside area is taken care of by worms and mother nature. The inside area needs to be sprayed, the polycarbonate needs to be cleaned, the inside perches need to be cleaned, and the grounds of the aviaries need to be raked.  The ground is turned over to bring the worms to the top.  As the worms work their way back down through the dirt, they eat the wasted food and bird waste.  It makes great compost.   

Taxes, we actually have a CPA handle all of our tax information.  The CPA takes all of your receipts (you must save everything) and puts them all into the Form 990.  I can’t tell you how to fill out a form 990, but what I can tell you is that it is complicated, and we highly recommend that you have a CPA working for you.  It is worth it.  If you were to start a non-profit, I think it is a requirement for accreditation from some of the accreditors.  Donations are put into a quickbooks file here at Project Perry.  Donors usually want a tax receipt for itemizing and tax breaks, so that needs to always match what you’ve taken in.  Bob Barker is one of our largest grant providers to date.  If his foundation files that they’ve donated $100,000 during a year to Project Perry, but we don’t claim that we received the $100,000, we can get into big trouble with the IRS.  You bet your butt the IRS checks in on a huge itemization like that and verifies that we received it.  If we haven’t stated that we received it on our end, the IRS is going to want to know what we did with that money.  Most importantly, it is dishonest, and it is unacceptable to be dishonest.  It would actually be stealing the birds money if the $100,000 wasn’t used on them. Smaller donations are deposited into Project Perry’s bank account, the CPA needs that information and also put that on your 990 form to match your bank records.  Cash donations obviously can’t be traced, but we are back to that honesty thing.  Stealing from the birds is not ok with us.  We put our cash donations in our QuickBooks and submit it to our CPA.  It is the right thing to do, ALWAYS be honest.  It will catch up to you like it has with other various 501 (c) (3) organizations.  I can’t stress it enough… BE HONEST with donor funds.  Always.  I don’t care if it is $5, be honest.  It’s not our money, it’s not your money, it is THEIR money.  People donate to Project Perry, not Kirah or Matt.  The IRS can find out anything, and they will.  Your reputation will be destroyed if you are dishonest.  It may take years, but it will come out, and you will lose all credibility.  You would be known as a fraud and it will never go away. You can actually google search for parrot sanctuary frauds, and various people will come up.  We do not bad mouth people at Project Perry, we let donors find out on their own and direct them to where to look for making their own decision about a person or rescue/sanctuary.  If you are interested, look it up, even facebook.  Fraud spreads like wildfire.

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Let's not forget, if you aren't on a well, you have a water bill, gas/propane bill, electric bill, and all of the rest of those fun utilities.  If you are on a well, you need to maintain it.  You need money and good donors in order to do this properly.  We are back to that transparency and honesty.  Again, we are nothing without our incredible supporters.  

Visitation Policy

Project Perry Inc. (The Central VA Parrot Sanctuary) serves as a lifelong home to birds both rescued and placed through our lifetime of care program.  As a dually accredited 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, our main focus is the quality of care we are able to provide our residents.  With approximately 15,000 sq.ft. of aviary space for our 200+ population, we understand the high level of interest in visiting.  Since our inception, we have welcomed thousands of parrot advocates and otherwise interested folks to our Sanctuary.  Offering visitation has always played a big role in growing our support base and provided an opportunity for on-site education and advocacy. 

As a working Sanctuary, we must provide balance between our dedication and the time it takes to properly care for our residents along with maintaining the property and the structures that house them.  Additionally, preserving the true sense of the word “Sanctuary” is always at the forefront of our mission.  We are not a zoo, this is home to many. 

We sincerely appreciate the interest of those wishing to visit our growing Sanctuary and we want to maintain an effective means of allowing the public to discover our work and appreciate it through a visit.

Please read the very important information listed below.

• First and foremost, (again) we are not a zoo.  When you are here, you are in the BIRD'S home. The reason that Sanctuary/Rescue facilities exist is due to human failure to these creatures. This is a happy place for the birds that were lucky enough to get here, but its reason for existing is sad. Be sure to educate yourself on the problems the pet trade has created, and continues to create today. We do not support breeding for the pet trade. If you support breeding and the pet trade, then this facility might not be for you. 

• Entrance into the aviaries is at the staff’s discretion based on flock dynamics at the time.

• SMALL CHILDREN are excitable and may not be allowed into the aviaries.  We can not chance a bird being stepped on due to the inattention of the child. 

• If you have been sick, if you are coming down with something, or anything along those lines, please do not visit during that time.  We can not take "days off".  There are no "sick days" here.  The work at the sanctuary must be completed daily and trying to do it with body aches and a 103+ fever isn't fun.

• Please wear closed-toe shoes.  Some birds are “toe biters”!

• You will be required to sign an injury waiver.

• Please do not wear any clothing that non-sanctuary birds have been on – and wash hands if you have been in contact with other birds.

• A $20 donation fee per person is required.  Children 12 and under, accompanied by a parent, may visit at no charge.  The average visit time spent here is 2 hours.

• Please arrive promptly at scheduled visit time as this is a working Sanctuary and we plan our day-to-day activities and projects to make the best use of our time.

• Entering our home is not part of the tour, but depending on time and group size; we will sometimes make exceptions.  If you'd like to visit with the birds living inside of the house, please be ready to remove your shoes.  Some of the birds will occasionally jump or fly down onto the floor and we humans can bring in various germs and bacteria from the outdoors.  Keep this in mind if you are shy about your feet.  In addition, this is our human home as well, we'd like to keep it clean as much as possible! 

• If you need to reschedule, please give us 24 hours notice.  A no-show will result in forfeiture of the donation fee.  Should the Sanctuary need to reschedule, we will contact you as soon as possible to arrange another date.

• You are welcome to take photographs during your visit.

• Restroom facilities are available in a brand new restroom/outhouse on the property.  If you are nervous using a restroom outside, it would be a good idea for you to visit facilities prior to your arrival here.

• We encourage visits from May through October.  Winter days are shorter and our daylight working hours are more limited.

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Thank you so much for your interest and support in what we do at Project Perry. 

Sincerely,

Matt Smith