17/08/2026
The Reality Behind a Sanctuary
Behind every bird that is safe, fed, cared for and given a second chance, there is a person quietly carrying the weight of it all.
Running a sanctuary is so much more than what people see. It is early mornings, late nights, endless cleaning, feeding, medication, repairs, enrichment and constantly making sure that every bird is comfortable, healthy and cared for. There are huge food bills, veterinary expenses, electricity, water, maintenance and countless other costs that never stop.
But the biggest cost isn’t always financial.
It is the emotional and physical toll.
When you care for so many birds, you give a little piece of yourself to each one. You learn their personalities, their little habits, their favourite things and the ways they communicate with you. They become part of your everyday life — and part of your heart.
And then sometimes, despite everything you do, you lose one.
That pain is difficult to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced it. You don’t simply lose a bird. You lose a little friend, a familiar presence, a personality that was part of your daily life. Their empty space is suddenly there, and the silence where their sounds used to be can be heartbreaking.
You question yourself. You wonder if you could have done something differently. You replay the last days in your mind. And even when you know you did everything you could, the loss still hurts deeply.
Then there are the birds who remain.
They still need you. They still need to be fed, cleaned, cared for and comforted. So you wipe away the tears, take a breath and carry on — even when your heart isn’t ready.
That is one of the hardest parts of sanctuary life.
It can be physically exhausting, financially demanding and emotionally overwhelming. But it is also filled with moments of incredible joy, trust, companionship and love.
These birds are not just animals you care for.
They become part of your life.
And every single one leaves a mark on your heart — especially the ones you have had to say goodbye to. 🦜❤️
