Central Virginia’s Project Perry earns GFAS accreditation, updates parrot refuge

Project Perry, Inc., operating as the Central Virginia Parrot Sanctuary in Louisa County, now presents itself on its website as “Project Perry, Inc. is an Accredited Sanctuary,” with the page showing “Updated: 2/5/2026.” External coverage by Boomermagazine places Project Perry “one of six sanctuaries in North America that are accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries,” a distinction the magazine calls “an achievement that assures a high standard of health and well‑being.”

Project Perry’s online accreditation language defines what the sanctuary claims to have achieved: “Accredited means that Project Perry, Inc. meets the comprehensive and rigorous definition of a true sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of parrots and other birds, meeting quality standards for operations, administration, and veterinary care.” The organization is listed on its site as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and frames its mission around rescue, rehabilitation and long‑term sanctuary care for captive parrots.

On a visitor’s level, Boomermagazine’s on‑site reporting paints the refuge as secluded and substantial. “Tucked into the woods a few miles north of the town of Louisa, you’ll find a very unlikely avian menagerie,” the piece says, noting that “an unmarked gravel road leads to several large and sumptuous aviaries that are homes to exotic ‘cage birds.’” The magazine’s coverage highlights a sun conure and an aviary “home to several scarlet macaws,” and uses the headline phrase “PEACOCKS OF THE PARROT FAMILY” to describe the scarlet macaws’ showy plumage.

Boomermagazine also supplied conservation context for the macaws it observed at Project Perry: “Seventeen species of macaws are found in Central and South America and are considered rainforest birds. The birds are listed as endangered or threatened by the International Union of Conservation Nature because of habitat loss and captures for the pet trade.” Those details underline the sanctuary’s emphasis on providing “natural environments” where residents can enjoy “the enrichment of flight and the togetherness of flock,” language that appears in Project Perry’s mission copy.

Public engagement and support mechanisms are active on the Project Perry website. The site promotes a fundraising item titled “Nuts for Project Perry,” invites visitors to “Like us on Facebook!! Find us on Instagram!! Watch us on You Tube!!” and notes that a “Tax receipt available upon request for donations.” The page also asks, “Would you like to volunteer or work here? Click above!” and states, “Should you be up to the life‑long task of helping and caring for a parrot in need, we promote adopting a parrot vs. purchasing one. Our Sanctuary does not have a formal adoption program, however there are now a large number of clubs, organizations and individuals dedicated to the rescue and placement of birds into homes.”

Two details remain to be confirmed directly with Project Perry or the accrediting body. The sanctuary’s page lists the update as “2/5/2026” while an original brief supplied separately lists “2 March 2026”; Boomermagazine explicitly names the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries as accreditor. Verifying the accreditor, the accreditation date, and any public tour or placement policies will clarify how this accreditation will affect Project Perry’s operations and outreach.