Our History
Our History
For years Greg was a Navy reservist who served as the official liaison between the legal system and veterans in Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties. Whenever a veteran got in trouble with the law, Para got a call, usually twice a day. With scores of social services and community resources on speed dial, Para found assistance for virtually every sort of predicament.
During this time Greg had a vision for avian therapy that he suspected could turn the corner on the epidemic of veteran suicides sweeping the United States. He realized the therapeutic value of parrots helping him to ease the effects of PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
In 2013 Upon returning from deployment in Afghanistan Greg Para founded the Sarasota Parrot Conservatory. A documentary on Animal Planet highlights his personal journey leading veterans to relieve their suffering through his avian therapy program
Today the Sarasota Parrot Conservatory Inc. is a parrot rescue and sanctuary that is dedicated to offering a permanent home to relinquished parrots. As a part of the parrot’s healing process resident parrots work with humans who have also been traumatized to help them feel better by providing a therapeutic and enriching experience, which in turn helps to heal the parrots.
