Uncle Sandy's Macaw Bird Park Pensacola — Attraction in Florida

I called Sandy's on one of their days of operation, and asked about the days they are not in operation, if there's any possibility that someone might be at the park, if they could show us around, I'd pay anything to get the chance to see these birds. (I was planning a day trip for my girlfriend's birthday in Pensacola) The woman on the phone, said she could talk to the owner and see what they had to say. A day later in mid-morning, I get a call from a fella who said he volunteers on the off days to feed the birds and hangout with them. He said he'd be glad to show us around while he's there. I'M SORRY IT'S BEEN MONTHS AND I CAN'T REMEMBER YOUR NAME! But, I remember him by "Sammy" because of the amazing Macaw we met and held with him, named Sammy. They had quite a chemistry.

Anyways, so, we show up at the agreed time, I call him twice, he answers and opens the gate, we go into the main office, and he immediately introduces us to some house favorites, the "greeters" if you will. The birds looked so happy, their cages looked lived in, but, well-attended to, each one of them so lively. The first bird he showed us was a "house-sized" bird, who liked to lay on his back. So, the man cradled him and asked my girlfriend to hold him, with both her hands together, palms up, the bird laid on his back in her hands. He couldn't do anything else, the poor fella had lost his leg in an accident. So, lucky for us, he had grown to love being held on his back, having his belly rubbed. Then the man brought out a little firecracker of a white Cockatoo. The Cockatoo immediately scurred up and down my girlfriend's arm, and then out to the end of her hand, where he lifted his wings a little, which caused a sway in her arm. The man suggested she move her arm up and down about three feet, like rowing a boat or something. The Cockatoo began to duck low when her arm went low, and push up as her arm went up, kin to jumping on a trampoline, he had an apex where he'd lift off your arm a little, but still grabbing at your hand with his talons. He would squawk very loudly to tell us he was happy.

Considering it was an off day, I offered to pay the man, but, he insisted I put it in the tip jar. Though, I surely hope he went back, grabbed the bill and bought himself something nice, he really deserves it.

He led us into the main park with a least a hundred different birds, emu's, parakeets, macaws, two peacocks, and so many more. He gave us a bucket with an array of treats, a few ground rules, and the best advice you can give when visiting the birds: let them come to you for the treat. Don't stick the treat through the cage to feed them. They will and did all stick their beaks through for their treats, only denying us because of their attitude or preference for oranges, which we ran out of quickly.

I won't bore you with the small details, but, I must say, my experience at Uncle Sandy's was magical, absolutely surreal. I could have spent a whole summer there, and I can see why the staff is so dedicated to these birds, going as far as to have bandaged fingers and torn up baseball caps just loving on these amazing creatures that needed a home after being let go by lazy, stupid, or just plain unprepared "pet owners." A place like this should exist for every animal or pet known to man. You wouldn't believe how much fun you might have at a "rat park."

Thank you Uncle Sandy's, you made our day, and I can't stop bragging about you, and I won't until I have a chance to come down there and volunteer.

Much...

Found this place on trip advisor and we were excited because my kids loved the bird exhibits at other attractions (Gatorland in Orlando, St Augustine Alligator Farm) and here you get to feed them. We missed the driveway twice when trying to get there - the entrance/parking wasn't what we expected and we even wondered if it was the right place and if it was open. It felt like we were parking in someone's yard. Even thought about turning around, but glad we didn't. Went up to the gate and rang the bell as the sign directs. Our guide came and let us into the office (shack) and gave us the rundown on how to feed the birds, including offering us bug spray. We each got a small basket of peanuts (in shell) and were able to walk around many cages feeding a number of different kinds of birds (of course many Macaws). It was fun to hear many of the birds talking. They have it clearly marked which birds are more friendly than others. They are very attentive to the kid's experience. She took an African Grey out for my kids to hold and answered all their many questions. The only reason I don't give it a 5 is that the grounds look dated and scruffy. But it was nice to support a mom and pop type organization that has a passion for what they do. Wear shoes, not flip flops, as she said they do have fire ants on the grounds. Enjoyable, inexpensive attraction...

This park is doing all they can with what they have. We went and it's $5.00 for adults to get in. You're given a cup full of peanuts, cooked pasta and mandarin oranges. It was really hot (like 98 degrees) and the birds were panting but there were big fans blowing all through the area. The electric bill has to be crazy. I think she said they have like 160 birds. I have birds they are alot of work..... and I think if anyone would like to donate closed packages of pasta (yes birds eat noodles) or fruit you could call and talk to them, it would be hard to just allow people to feed your birds if you don't know the person's intent or knowledge of bird needs. They are friendly. They teach people how to feed the birds to minimize bird bites. They provide mosquito spray, and then hand sanitizer to remove the spray from your hands to feed the birds. There are improvements from pictures other people have taken, please remember these birds would probly have no home without this park, donate all you can to help... after talking to them as to what they need. The birds are sweet, they thrive on attention so when you go, talk to the birds, encourage conservation and rescues or some of the beautiful birds you'll see may no longer exist when your kids grow up. Glad to know they share the birds...