Marie Stafford, Co-Founder

Hello, I’m Marie Stafford. My interest in conservation started with my first parrot, Bert (a little Goffins cockatoo). Bert showed me how intelligent, clever and captivating a parrot could be. Back then…I read everything I could get my hands on. I went out of my way to meet people with the same passion I shared for parrots. I was starved for more input for a better understanding of my birds and their wild counterparts.

I never imagined the magnitude that having companion parrots would have on me. The effect shows through in my everyday life, from the people I surround myself with, to the dedication I share with my husband to promote the conservation of endangered parrot species.

Some of my goals for Parrots International are:

  • For Parrots International to have a definite, positive impact through its conservation endeavors and make assertive efforts in protecting the parrots in the wild, hence securing their future.
  • To raise the public’s awareness through photographs, videos and education regarding the need of financial support to aid ongoing and future conservation and research projects.
  • I also hope the Parrots International website helps to satisfy the desires of the new parrot owner seeking information regarding their charges. Many people do not realize the extent of the role these little ambassadors (pet parrots) play. If it wasn’t for my birds I would have missed out on some of the greatest experiences of my life. I cherish my birds and try my hardest to give my birds the fullest life possible in captivity.

    To magnify the adventure I encourage everyone to take a trip to visit parrots in the wild. The unbelievable intensity of catching a glimpse of majestic free flying parrots is one never to be forgotten.

    Mark and I share our home with 16 gorgeous energetic parrots. The Stafford flock consists of 8 macaws, 5 cockatoos, 1 amazon, 1 senegal and 1 sun conure. It is such an honor to be able to live side by side with these amazing creatures. Every day is lively and eventful. Our birds have taught me many things. They have given me a greater consciousness about nature and the planet in general. If everyone took a little responsibility and did a small part it would have a substantial impact on the environment.

    At present…I read everything I can get my hands on. I go out of my way to meet people with the same passion I share for parrots. I still crave more input for a better understanding of my birds and their wild counterparts. And I like to have fun in the process.

    It’s time to give back!

    Many thanks to all of you for your help and support in making our past Parrots International Symposium a successful event. The Symposium was held at UCLA on April 28th & 29th, 2007. It was truly an International event with speakers and attendees flying in from around the globe.

    “Save the date for next year’s Symposium May 30 - June 1st, 2008.”

    The Symposium will be held at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. The theme will be “Parrots of the Caribbean”. This will be a great opportunity to hear firsthand about conservation efforts being made around the world. The PI Symposium will also include talks on veterinarian concerns and advances, companion parrot behavior and of course feature video and photos of parrots in the wild.

    Continuing Education Credits will be available.

    Most of all I’d like to extend an invitation to come and enjoy the company of other parrot enthusiasts and concerned individuals. There will be time to talk one on one with the experts, take part in the amazing auctions and raffles planned throughout the Symposium and (my motto) to have fun at the same time!
   

 

 

 
 

All content except where otherwise noted is ©2008 Mark Stafford. All rights reserved.
Parrots International: 15332 Antioch Ave. #417, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

updated: Dec. 11, 2008