Just 30 minutes from Paris, in a park already known for its large immersive aviary called Amazonia Trek, Parrot World has just reached a groundbreaking milestone: the construction of one of the world’s largest parrot sanctuaries. This project is led by the Parrot Wildlife Foundation (PWLF), the endowment fund founded by Éric Vignot, the park’s creator. And behind this announcement lies a reality: that of parrots, these wild animals that people try to tame, all too often bought on a whim and then abandoned. Here, they are given a suitable environment with optimal living conditions —and what’s more, we can all enjoy them!
One of the world’s largest parrot sanctuaries
Most of the sanctuary’s residents have one thing in common: sold as pets, they were taken from their parents as soon as they hatched to be raised by humans. As a result, they never learned the communication patterns of their own species, which sometimes makes it impossible for them to integrate into the park’s large aviaries. The Sanctuary addresses this need precisely: tailored veterinary care, adapted facilities, and individualized support, so that every bird can have a better life.
Citrus and Choupette, the sanctuary’s two stars
Among all the residents, two cockatoos particularly embody the spirit of the place. Citrus, a male sulfur-crested cockatoo, was confiscated by the French Office for Biodiversity in Nièvre in 2010, before spending time at another zoological facility and then joining Parrot World in 2022. Accustomed to human contact, he loves to let people know it: you can hear him ask, “Do you want a peanut?” or “How’s it going, Citrus?” Choupette, a female orange-crested cockatoo, has an equally remarkable story. Entrusted to the Association for the Protection and Care of Parrots (ASAP) in 2017 following the death of her owner, she joined the Parrot Wildlife Foundation in 2023 after the association’s president passed away. She has formed a strong bond with her caretakers and doesn’t hesitate to give them hugs. So cute, isn’t she?
Twister, Coco, and Zaza: Heartbreaking Stories
Other residents, however, bear more visible scars from a difficult past. Twister, a male sulfur-crested cockatoo, was seized as part of a major animal abuse case before being entrusted to Parrot World. He has a fractured leg that was never treated, giving him an irresistibly charming air of a limping pirate.
Another, brighter story: that of Coco, a blue-fronted Amazon. After his owner’s death, he was taken in by a young woman determined to give him a second chance. After more than twenty years spent in a cage, Coco finally discovers the freedom of a home, learns to fly, and gains confidence. Zaza, a female red-lored Amazon confiscated from a seizure, joins the family, and the two birds quickly form a friendship. Now in the care of the Parrot World Wildlife Foundation, they are living their best lives.
A new definition of living together
While some residents live in pairs or groups—such as the sanctuary’s eight rosy-billed cockatoos orthe pair of Leadbeater’s cockatoos—others live alone, and for good reasons. Cockatoos, in particular, have a complex social structure that can make cohabitation unstable. Sometimes we choose to isolate them for the good of all. However, the caretakers provide the birds with activities, games, and objects to play with so they never feel lonely. We’ve seen them in action, and it’s simply amazing. So, are you ready to rethink your view of wildlife parks with Parrot World?
Practical Information
📍 Location: Parrot World, Route du Guérard, 77580 Crécy-la-Chapelle (Seine-et-Marne)
📆 The sanctuary is open year-round as part of the park tour
🎟️ Admission: Included with the Parrot World park admission ticket
💛 To support the care provided to the residents, donations can be made to the Parrot Wildlife Foundation