A Calgary woman wants people to stop buying parrots and adopt one from a rescue, instead.

That is, if they still decide they really want one.

They may be cute and fun but she says they are a massive commitment.

Gloria Fantin, who just established the Parrot Resource Centre this past spring, says most of the birds don’t get the care they need.

“And all you have to do is see a Moluccan Cockatoo that has chewed a hole through to his intestines to know that something has to be done to educate people,” says Fantin.

“They’re not like dogs and cats.  They’re wild.”

The birds can live up to 70 years.

Fantin says the centre provides people with everything they need to know before deciding whether to get a parrot.

She and other directors involved in the organization invite people to their homes to see for themselves what is involved in caring for these types of birds.

The centre also raises funds to help rescue parrots and to go out into the community and educate the public.

They are currently in the midst of their Spirit of Giving fundraiser to help make that happen.

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