Parrot tilting its head while looking at a person

Volunteer at Parrot Garden

Come spend some time with the birds who reside at Parrot Garden in a beautiful, light-filled tropical environment. 

Parrot Garden at our animal sanctuary is a paradise for birds and people, where around 100 parrots reside. Ranging from parakeets, cockatiels, and conures to larger parrots like macaws and cockatoos, all are housed in bright, safe spaces designed to enhance and improve their lives.  

Many of our rescued parrots have been through multiple homes and may have special needs, so our volunteers are crucial for ensuring our feathered friends get the love and attention they need to thrive.

Parrot photo icon

The gift of your time will enrich the lives of the birds 

You’ll also have a fun and fulfilling day with fellow caring volunteers at Parrot Garden.

See what a day in the life of a Parrot Garden volunteer looks like:

Here’s what you can expect as a volunteer at Parrot Garden

Storytime and dance parties all help make time fly for Parrot Garden volunteers. 

Volunteer task list icon

Volunteer Tasks

Many of our birds love attention and socializing, so you’ll have plenty of face-to-face time with them. You’ll also have the chance to help with preparing and delivering food, cleaning, landscaping (could include things like weeding, raking, etc.), and making toys.

Volunteers at Parrot Garden often play music and dance with the birds or give them showers in the afternoon. Even shy birds who remain inside get special attention. They especially love having volunteers sit beside their cages and read to them.

Volunteer time icon

Time Commitment

You can choose from two volunteer shifts daily: 8:15-11:30 a.m. and 1:15-4 p.m.   

We also offer disability-friendly shifts that are shorter and last for one hour total. 

Volunteer requirements icon

Volunteer Requirements

To volunteer at Parrot Garden, you need to be 8 years old or older. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while volunteering. One adult can supervise two minors. 

Safety guidelines: We're focused on keeping you and our animal friends safe while you're volunteering. Before your trip to the Sanctuary, make sure you've read through what to expect at the Sanctuary and in specific animal areas.

Book your volunteer experience

Ready to plan your time at Parrot Garden? We’re so excited you’ll be joining us soon — and the parrots are, too! 

Scheduling your volunteer shifts in advance is highly recommended, and shifts can be scheduled as far as one year in advance. You can check the availability of shifts anytime.

Sign Up to Volunteer

Once you sign up and complete your volunteer agreement, you can access the full list of volunteer opportunities.

If you already have a Best Friends volunteer profile, go to the volunteer portal to see opportunities available to you.

Volunteers with disabilities are welcome! Contact us to learn about volunteering with a disability; we offer shorter hour-long shifts for anyone interested. Email volunteers@bestfriends.org or call 435-319-0622 with questions or sign up for a shift.

Read about the birds 

Check out these tales about our parrots and the people like you who love them. 

Jen Cunha holding letters A and B for Ellie the Goffin’s cockatoo to see

When parrots go to school

Jen Cunha’s work with parrots is revealing how intelligent they are — and how eager they are to communicate with us.
Their incredible success at communicating
Best Friends Magazine
Smiling person surrounded by baby Quaker parrots, including one on her head

Animals from closed zoo find safety at Best Friends

After a zoo in Puerto Rico closed, hundreds of animals needed new places to live — and help getting there.
Their futures are bright
Feature
Tilly the sulfur-crested cockatoo with wings outspread and head cocked to the side

Wallflower cockatoo blossoms into dancing king

Tilly was shy when he arrived at the Sanctuary, and after trying everything to get him to open up, caregivers found his true love: ’80s women pop artists.
See him move to the groove
Video
3 parrots on branch graphic

Adopt or sponsor a parrot 

Looking to welcome a feathered friend into your life? Start your search today and browse our adoptable birds. 

Animal Previews
Animal Previews
Animal Previews
Animal Previews

Sponsor a Parrot Garden resident

Touched by a parrot’s story or feel a special connection to a bird here at the Sanctuary? Provide a little extra TLC with the gift of sponsorship.

See all parrots available to adopt or sponsor

Three birds perched on a branch together

Volunteer opportunities for groups

We have rewarding group volunteer experiences for your business, organization, college, or community group looking for a one-of-a-kind volunteer opportunity.
Volunteering as a group

Know before you go

If you’re not sure where to get lunch or what to wear in southern Utah during seasonal weather, we’ve got you covered.

Our animal sanctuary is an incredibly special place, and we’ll help you figure out everything you need to know to ensure that your visit is the trip of your dreams. 

Find out what to expect
Entrance sign to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Getting to our animal sanctuary

Ready to plan your volunteer trip to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in beautiful southern Utah? We have everything you need to know to get started. 
Start planning your trip
Smiling person giving treats to cats in an enclosed patio for cats

More ways to help at our sanctuary

With seven different animal areas and acres of canyon lands surrounding the Sanctuary, you’ll have plenty of choices for where you can lend a hand. 
Volunteering at the Sanctuary