Check Out Christiane Deleon’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christiane Deleon. 

Hi Christiane, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Since I was a very young child, I have always had a deep passion for animals and wildlife, but birds in particular have always captivated me the most than any other animal species on our planet. I became very aware of birds and the vast diversity of their species when I moved from the city of Atlanta, Georgia to the rural country of Montrose, Michigan at 5 years old…

In my new and open environment, I noticed the different species and their unique behaviors. Here bloomed my passion, love, and curiosity for these animals.

As I grew older, I began to find outlets to better educate myself and get more hands-on with the avian species. In my freshman year of high school, I started a volunteer program at the Washington D.C Zoo and began not only working with exotic birds but also other exotic species.

During my work at the zoo, I became aware of how fragile animals were and how several variables such as poaching, loss of habitat, environmental changes due to global warming, modern land management, and the pet trade  put so many species in great danger of extinction.

Although my work revolves around environmental and animal preservation, my main work is focused on the education and conservation of avian species not only in captivity but also the populations in the wild.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Getting started was a tedious process since being able to care for one exotic bird is a great undertaking in itself. But to properly house this species and provide the emotional/social support required, is very time demanding.

Being able to branch out and make the connections within the Avian community to help further educate and guide me in my journey has been years in the making. This entails building my reputation in my work, finding accredited Veterinarians to provide proper medical care for my exotic species of choice and even the relocation to a larger property to better accommodate my growing flock has been a great undertaking.

The financial needs to expand and improve have been the biggest hurdle. But with the help of my supporters and my creative outlets, we have been able to do extensive renovations of our sanctuary one project at a time.

My facility has made great improvements since our beginning stages, but our progress is not over.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a small independent and local Parrot Sanctuary based in Montrose, MI that is focused on providing a forever safe haven for Parrots that were abused or even loved and well cared for.  Most times due to unforeseen circumstances, the owners can no longer keep them. Just operated by myself and the help of my father with daily handling and aviary maintenance. And my grandmother for providing the land and facilities to expand our aviary.

Many parrot species have the average lifespan of 30-80 years, so this is a lifelong commitment I have dedicated myself to. I do not re-home or sell my flock members but rather provide a peace of mind to both the birds and their owners. I care for these birds and their individual needs and provide stability for the rest of that animals life.

We educate others by making personal interactions at our public platform in Frankenmuth, MI during the summer months. We do this to raise the funds required for caring for our growing flock of 65 members, and to educate the public. Not only are people able to interact, pet, and hold some of our flock members, but I also create and sell unique keepsakes made from the parrot’s feathers. This includes Portraits painted on the parrot’s flight feathers, parrot feather jewelry, other artwork, and feather creations made by me with naturally molted feathers from my flock. Visitors can take a piece of the bird’s home with them and preserve a beautiful memory.

Being an artist, I have also donated my art creations to other local or out-of-state parrot rescues/sanctuaries to help raise funds for the Avian Community and its work. I occasionally have volunteered my time to visit Schools to educate youth about exotic birds. And provide a fun hands on experience for them as well.

I am a firm believer in making a beautiful, personal and unique experience for visitors to better educate people about animal conservation. I have learned that touching and having a personal interaction with my birds makes a memorable and personal experience. It makes a personal connection between the people and the animals I’m trying to save. When people fall in love with the beauty and majesty of my birds, they begin to ask questions. Visitors then seek information and ways they can help. Knowledge and information is power, but most of all- putting a memorable and unique approach to informing others is most effective in spreading a message.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
There are several resources I use to help broaden my knowledge about my work and ways I can make improvements. Not only several online articles of accredited organizations like the (World Parrot Trust, Macaw Recovery Network & ACTP) but also other rescues or experienced bird owners in the avian community. I always continue to learn from others.

I don’t believe one can truly succeed and do their best with their own efforts alone, but rather it takes a village to become your best. And supporting each other will not only help a cause you are passionate about but help better your community and the world in general.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristianesParrotRescue
• Email: christianesexoticparrotdise@gmail.com
• Instagram: ChristianesExoticParrotdise