Rhode Island Parrot Rescue, (RIPR) has been awarded a $7,500 grant from the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) to assist with medical care and rehabilitation of traumatized birds seized by Weston, Connecticut Animal Control in the fall of 2016.

“This funding will go a long way to ensure we have the resources to help these birds overcome both their physical and emotional wounds,” said Valerie Ashley, Director or RIPR. “We will be able to continue the necessary veterinary care to treat the numerous health issues caused by the neglect these birds suffered, and provide adequate stimulation and socialization to meet their emotional needs, with adoption being the end goal.”

One hundred and seventeen exotic birds were brought to RIPR in September of 2016, after Weston, Connecticut Animal Control got a call to investigate a foul odor emanating from a residence in Weston, Conn. Officials found hundreds of birds, snakes, and reptiles, both dead and alive, inside a home and aviary outbuilding on the property. The owner of the birds, Daniel Kopulos, a wildlife conservationist who at one point owned an exotic pet shop in Manhattan, was charged with animal cruelty by a judge in the State of Connecticut. Mr. Kopulos was sentenced to accelerated rehabilitation, probation and community service.

RIPR, formerly Lazicki's Bird House, is the only 501(c)(3) organization in Rhode Island exclusively dedicated to rehabilitating and re-homing unwanted, abused or abandoned exotic birds. Our mission is to educate people on the proper care of parrots and parrot-like birds, rescue companion parrots from harmful or unwanted situations, and offer these birds to qualified homes for adoption.

“The healing has begun, but the birds still have a long road ahead of them,” said an emotional Ashley. “We are whole-heartedly grateful for the assistance we have received from the ASPCA, and from everyone who has come together to support our work to provide the victims of this tragedy a better life.”