Freedom for Quaker Parrots in Port Orchard, WA

To:  Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Port Orchard City Mayor Kim Abel, Port Orchard City Council Members, Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire

Brief History:


PRESS RELEASE AND PETITION
April 30, 2005

In spring of 2001 a group of six Quaker Parrots (aka: Monk Parrots) escaped into the wild while being transported to a pet store. Since that time there have been several Quaker nesting sights spotted around Kitsap County.

The escapees have not only survived, but have managed to raise their young. Estimates are that the flock has a population of 25 to 30 birds. These Quakers are a joy to area residents, especially the residents that live across the street from the Port Orchard nesting site. There are no reports of complaints against this flock of Quakers.

On April 11, 2005 the Port Orchard, WA City Council voted to approve a request from Cingular Wireless (represented by The Alaris Group, LLC) to replace a 60 ft. cell phone tower with a 113 ft tower with the condition that all Quaker Parrots nesting in the current tower be captured and removed.

An employee of The Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife (WSDFW) testified before the City Council that "Parrots have been known to spread disease to native wildlife and can have a long-term ecological impact to native wildlife." The Department of Fish and Wildlife, however, did not provide any scientific studies or information to back up their statement.

There are many scientific studies that demonstrate how Quaker Parrots successfully live in many cities, not only in the United States, but all over the world. Some colonies of Quaker Parrots have been around since the 1960's and clearly show that the statements made by The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife are incorrect.

Allowing the Quaker Parrots to remain free is the only solution that will not risk their lives. Any form of trapping these birds poses a substantial risk of injury, including death. By simply removing the nest and rebuilding the new tower, these Quaker Parrots will merely find another sight to build their nest and continue to live freely, as they have been for several years now. A local bird group, Olympic Bird Fanciers, is willing to take on and raise any babies or eggs that are found when the nest is removed. This petition involves only the adult, free-flying Quaker Parrots.

With the exception of the original six parrots that escaped, none of these birds have ever been caged and have been in the wild since they hatched. How can we ask these Quaker Parrots, who have unlimited skies to fly across, to be caged for the remainder of their lives? If you had a choice between living in freedom or behind bars, what would your choice be? Please join us in our plight to keep these birds free.

For more information that demonstrates why the statements made by WSDFW are incorrect, please go to http://www.SimonsFeatheredFriends.com/Quakerlinks.htm





To: Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife
Port Orchard City Mayor Kim Abel
Port Orchard City Council Members
Washington State Governor, Christine Gregoire

I REQUEST THAT THE QUAKER PARROTS IN PORT ORCHARD, WASHINGTON BE ALLOWED TO REMAIN FREE.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Freedom for Quaker Parrots in Port Orchard, WA Petition to Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Port Orchard City Mayor Kim Abel, Port Orchard City Council Members, Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire was created by and written by Sandy O'Hearn/Cheryl Mitchell (ParrotCrazy2003@msn.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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