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Banana Leaf

Welcome to the Santa Barbara Sanctuary

“We feed them and tame them and think we know them”

                                                                         —David Attenborough

       

Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was

founded in 2004 by Director Jamie McLeod, who recognized the need for a rescue dedicated to unwanted and displaced companion parrots. Only a handful of parrot rescues serve the entire nation, and most – like ours – function beyond capacity with limited funding. 

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Here at the Sanctuary, our mission not only mandates quality of health and happiness for the parrots in our care, but also emphasizes community outreach and education. Living with a bird is a complicated, full-time commitment that the average person finds difficult to fulfill. People are drawn to the beauty of these extremely intelligent creatures that have highly complex social needs. They often find they are unable to give them the intense interaction require in order for them to thrive. We educate potential adopters as well as local groups of all ages.

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Our goals are to create positive, enriching environments for companion parrots, minimize neglect and ignorance that lead to relinquishment, and make space for birds entrusted to us who outlive their owners.

 

Please enjoy every page of our website. Meet our beloved birds and learn how you can become a Friend of the Flock.

Banana Leaf
Banana Leaf

Bring a piece of the sanctuary home...

Banana Leaf
Banana Leaf
Banana Leaf

A sneak preview of our book Avian Ambassadors with special guest Tutti Frutti the Curl-Crested Aracari 

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Come Visit Us!

Take a walk around our lush tropical gardens home to 50+ rescued companion parrots. The parrots love interacting with the public and making new friends! 

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We are located in Summerland CA, right off the 101 Freeway, just a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean.

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Avian Adventure Awaits...

Experience the Magic of the Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary!

Go beyond the enclosures with a Behind-the-Scenes Tour, led by our Sanctuary Director, where you’ll meet charismatic birds and learn their stories. Or take a Docent-Led Garden Tour, strolling through lush landscapes while discovering fascinating facts about our feathered residents. Book your tour today for an unforgettable experience!

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©2025 Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary

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