Founded in 1995, The Gabriel Foundation is a 501(C)(3) avicultural and veterinary affiliated parrot welfare organization licensed by the State of Colorado and USDA, whose mission and purpose is to provide safe sanctuary and care for parrots in need, match extraordinary birds with caring adopters, and to inspire and encourage all to responsibly improve the lives of companion parrots.
With over 30 years of experience working alongside thousands of birds and the devoted people who cherish them, we’ve come to understand that there is no single “right” way to provide shelter or care for companion parrots. Instead, our approach evolves—guided by the latest research, science-backed best practices, and the invaluable mentorship of pioneers in avian welfare.
Curiosity is the cornerstone we nurture in everyone dedicated to enhancing the lives of parrots, both in captivity and in the wild. Imagine how much we would miss without researchers studying parrots in their natural habitats—insights into their behaviors that shape the diets, enrichment, and environments we create. Without veterinarians, our understanding of avian health and the impacts of captivity would be limited. Without shelters and welfare organizations, countless parrots displaced or living in inadequate conditions would have nowhere to turn. Without conservationists, the vital landscapes sustaining over 400 parrot species worldwide would be at risk. And without the expertise of breeders, successful breeding and reintroduction programs could not flourish.
At the heart of it all lies a powerful truth: we are united by a profound care for the welfare of parrots. Though our methods and perspectives may differ, we form a community bound by passion and purpose. Each of us holds a vital role in the lives of these remarkable creatures, making it more important than ever to come together, build this community, and seize the opportunity to create lasting, positive change.
Wherever there are birds, there is hope.
– Mehmet Murat ildan
Human stewardship brings both profound responsibilities and unique freedoms—privileges that non-human animals do not possess. As dedicated avian welfare professionals, we embrace our vital role in the wellbeing and survival of parrots worldwide with deep commitment. We recognize that every decision we make ripples through the lives of our birds and the broader community we serve.
To honor this responsibility, we invite every team member, volunteer, adopter, client, visitor, and student to embody these guiding tenets in their daily work and interactions:
Leading with compassion — Compassion is the heart of our care. It drives us to see each parrot as an individual with unique needs and stories, and to treat every person we encounter with empathy and kindness. Through compassion, we foster trust and healing in our flocks and community.
Being apprised of the newest information available — The world of avian welfare is ever-evolving. Staying informed about the latest research and science-backed practices empowers us to provide the best care possible, adapting thoughtfully to new discoveries that enhance the health and happiness of our birds.
Working with respect — Respect underpins all relationships—between humans and birds, among colleagues, and within the communities we serve. It means honoring natural behaviors, cultural differences, and the dignity of every life, creating environments where parrots and people can thrive together.
Inspiring the next generation to carry the gauntlet of avian welfare — Our work is a relay, passed forward with hope. By mentoring and uplifting future advocates, we ensure that the passion and knowledge needed to protect and nurture parrots will continue to grow stronger with each new generation.
Approaching each new day with a curious mind — Curiosity fuels innovation and understanding. With open eyes and hearts, we explore new ideas, question assumptions, and seek deeper connections, knowing that every insight brings us closer to a world where parrots flourish in harmony with people.
Living with joy — In the vast tapestry of existence, we are uniquely privileged to share our lives with birds. This gift calls us to embrace each day with gratitude and delight, finding meaning in the wonder of coexistence. We celebrate the joy that arises from this connection and inspire others to cherish the profound beauty of living alongside these remarkable creatures.
Together, these tenets form a strong foundation, guiding us as we build a brighter future for parrots and the people who love them.
Our birds are the heart of our purpose. We believe that all beings—human and non-human alike—are born with an equal claim on life and the same right to existence. Every adoption we facilitate, every veterinary visit we arrange, and every meal or toy we provide is chosen with our birds’ wellbeing in mind.
What guides these decisions? Adapted from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the Five Freedoms of animal welfare, we have developed our own framework: the Five Domains of Avian Welfare.
Environment: Creating a safe, supportive flock setting designed for success and security.
Nutrition: Recognizing nutrition as a fundamental pillar of our birds’ existence, essential to their unique biology and vitality.
Health: Committing to vigilant health monitoring and ensuring timely veterinary care, striving to meet all physiological needs with excellence.
Behavior: Honoring our birds’ sentience through ethology and applied behavioral analysis, beginning every interaction with positive reinforcement and trust-building.
Biopsychosocial Needs & Fulfillment: Validating each bird as a living, communicating being within the flock, supporting their innate drive to be and do what they were born to do.
This holistic approach reflects our unwavering dedication to nurturing the physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of every bird in our care—each one with an equal claim to these rights, from budgie to macaw, regardless of species, age, ability, appearance, or personality. Their flourishing is not only our shared purpose but also the hope that inspires all we do.
Our story hatched, as all birds do, from an egg.
Gabriel was a hand-fed Hyacinth macaw hatched in November 1993 in Southern California. From the moment Julie selected him as a chick, she watched with awe and affection as he grew rapidly and developed a unique, vibrant personality. DNA testing confirmed he was male, and she named him Gabriel, inspired by his angelic presence and the trumpet-like calls characteristic of his species. However, Gabriel’s early life included routine preventative treatments common among breeders at the time—high doses of anti-bacterials and anti-fungals—that likely compromised his immune system. By mid-1995, Gabriel developed a persistent fungal infection that resisted multiple treatments, leading to repeated hospitalizations as Julie prepared for a move to Aspen, Colorado.
Despite the dedicated care and hope for recovery, Gabriel’s condition gradually worsened, culminating in a fatal intestinal blockage just shy of his second birthday. A necropsy revealed that his compromised immune system and the cause of death—a telescoping of his intestine known as intussusception—were likely linked to the early medication exposure. This devastating loss deeply affected Julie and everyone involved in Gabriel’s care. Motivated by a desire to honor his memory and prevent similar tragedies, Julie founded The Gabriel Foundation in 1996. The foundation’s mission is to advance avian health, welfare, and education, empowering bird owners, veterinarians, and aviculturists worldwide. Gabriel’s spirit lives on through this work, inspiring better care and understanding for companion parrots everywhere. We are reminded of the life and death of the phoenix, for through the loss of one bird, thousands of others have risen from his ashes.
In loving memory.
