DELAND, Fla. – A DeLand parrot sanctuary faces mounting utility costs as it struggles to keep more than 100 tropical birds warm during Florida’s unusually cold winter.
Patty’s Parrot Palace, a nonprofit bird sanctuary, has seen its monthly power bills skyrocket from the typical $250-$350 range to $900, then $1,800 in successive months as temperatures dropped. The sanctuary relies on 75 heat lamps running continuously to maintain safe temperatures for its exotic residents.
The volunteer-run organization has already accumulated $2,700 in electric bills over just two months of winter weather.
[EXCLUSIVE:Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE)| PINIT!Share your photos]
Patricia Bachman Koile founded the sanctuary after initially rescuing 13 birds from a hoarding situation. The facility now houses 126 parrots, including cockatoos and macaws, with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide permanent homes for companion parrots in need.
“Our goal is to put everyone into flight, take them out of these cages where they sit alone and wait all day for their owners to get home and let them go back to being a bird and put them back into flight,” says Trisha Bachman Koile.
“Our first month with decreased temperatures was a $900 power bill. Last month was $1,800. And I just know next month is going to be even higher,” Bachman Koile says.
While Florida’s climate typically suits these tropical species well, this winter’s persistent cold snap has created unprecedented challenges for the sanctuary.
“We welcome the community to come out with us and meet a new friend,” Bachman Koile says.
The nonprofit welcomes community support and visitors interested in meeting the birds.
Those wishing to help can contribute to the sanctuary’s utility costs through their GoFundMe campaign here.