Foster Parrots, based in Rhode Island, is the largest nonprofit parrot rescue and sanctuary organization in the Northeast dedicated to the rescue and protection of unwanted and abused companion parrots and other displaced captive exotic animals.

In April 2021, the fan of a heat exchange unit in the north wing of the sanctuary malfunctioned and ignited, causing a devastating fire that burned 5,600 square feet, roughly 1/3 of the overall facility, and took the lives of 90 parrots. The nearby main kitchen caught fire and within moments a firefighter pulled out cages already aflame, saving the lives of 7 birds, while 2 were rescued by another firefighter on the opposite side. Some of these birds were partially aflame and bear the scars of the tragedy.

Moved by their story and knowing very little about the lives of captive birds, I wanted to educate myself while capturing portraits of the birds’ stories as individual beings. Smithsonian Magazine’s photo editor, Jeff Campagna, took an interest and allowed us to share these stories through their Instagram account. Pop in to read about each of the birds and the plight of captive wildlife: https://www.instagram.com/smithsonianmagazine/.

Should you like to make a donation to Foster Parrots relief fund, please visit https://www.fosterparrots.com/support-us-page.