Pietermaritzburg, Kwazulu-Natal

Financial Director

“I am just a country girl trapped in the city. I have a deep love for all things bird-related and my main interest is our wild South African parrots, namely our endemic Cape Parrot. I am currently working on a project to reintroduce their staple tree, the Falcatus Yellowwood, back into their native forests. I believe all birds should be free and in the wild. I am also the owner of a small business (New Leaf Collars) supplying handmade anti-plucking collars and jerseys to the South African parrot community. I work with each and every client to discuss their unique case and see if we can come up with solutions together that go beyond the collars.“

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Co-Founder, Managerial Director

“I am a BSc biology student in Port Elizabeth. I have a passion for animals and have 2 Senegal Parrots named Tango and Foxy, as well as two adopted cockatiel named Dustin and Pickachu (along with many other pets such as chinchillas). My interest in animal welfare began when I started a YouTube channel to educate people on topics relating to the care of exotic pets. It’s so fulfilling to be a part of the Cheeky Beaks team and helping parrots across the country. It is very rewarding when we rehome a bird to a loving forever home and see the excitement and joy the birds and the humans bring to one another’s lives.”

Kempton Park, Gauteng

Legal Director

“I am a COAPE behaviourist as well as a practicing attorney. I have always been fascinated with parrot behaviour and I am currently completing my diploma in Parrot Behaviour.
I decided to join Cheeky Beaks to educate owners on the welfare and well-being of parrots, as well as educate on the love and companionship they have to give. I have an adopted African Grey of my own named George, who has been in my family for two decades.”

Northcliff, Gauteng

Manager

“‘You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who cannot repay you.’ -John Bunyan
I have always loved animals but I have an especially big love for birds and have a vast interest in the rehabilitation of birds and the education around parrot care and wellbeing. I have worked with a few rescue organisations and currently have a small zoo growing apart from birds I have bunnies, cats, and dogs and even a husband; my family is not surprised anymore when they see a new animal in my home. I am excited to be part of the Cheeky Beaks team!”

Strand, Western Cape

Manager

“My passion for animals started at a very young age. When I was a child, I had two cockatiels and they were my pride and joy. As I got older, I developed a love for all kinds of animals: four-legged, two-legged and legless! When I left high school, I started studying Animal Health and still currently am, while working full-time. Around a year and a half ago, I became interested in parrots as companion animals and since then I’ve been doing research ’til it flows out my ears (I think it’s an addiction). I currently share my life with multiple of my own parrots – most of which are rehomes. To join Cheeky Beaks Rescue has been an honour; to carry on my passion for parrots and to help others with theirs is all a bird-lover needs.” 

Linden, Gauteng

Team Member: Adoptions, Rehabilitation, Social Media, Fundraising & Marketing

“I am a Civil Engineering student in Johannesburg. I have a huge love for animals since I was a child. I have my forever best friend, Safwaan, a Congo African Grey, whom I spent most of my life with. I love him immensely and he is the apple of my eye. I’ve always wanted to help birds and make their lives better. Joining Cheeky Beaks as a foster was the best decision I’ve ever made. Seeing my foster babies find their forever home, and seeing the love they share with their new human makes my heart do little backflips. I’m so grateful to be part of the Cheeky Beaks Team, and I look forward to helping as many feathery babies as possible.”

Randburg, Gauteng

Team Member: PR & Correspondence, Rehabilitation, Adoptions

“There has never been a time in my life where our household was free of animals. We currently are servants to 8 of our own parrots, 2 foster parrots as well as the rest of the Miles Menagerie. I have a particular weakness for Eclectus parrots and Conures. I am a business consultant in the automotive industry to pay the bills; however, I do hold a BSc degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. I look forward to making a difference in this country’s birds’ lives together with the rest of the Cheeky Beaks Team Members.”

Pretoria, Gauteng

Team Member: Admin, Fundraising & Marketing

“I’m a BScAgric Animal Science Masters student at the University of Pretoria. I pride myself in my own little zoo which includes two cockatiels. I believe that we as humans have a responsibility towards animals regarding their care and livelihoods. Cheeky Beaks is a wonderful organisation advocating for the parrots of South Africa and I’m proud to have the opportunity to be a part of it!”

Pretoria, Free State

Team Member: Fundraising & Marketing, Social Media

“I am currently studying Education and have plans to study a few more things for quite some time. I have loved animals for as long as I can remember – they are just the best. I have a disabled 2-year-old Blue and Gold Macaw called Rachel; a Budgie called Phoebe; Diesel, the Great Dane; and a “Limo” called Minkie (Yes, I know it’s a Dachshund). I developed a love for birds at a young age after my sister introduced me to the fascinating world of parrots. It is a privilege to be part of this team and to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of parrots amd their parronts all over South Africa.”

 Krugersdorp, Gauteng

Team Member: Adoptions, Fundraising & Marketing, Legal, Social Media

“My love for all animals were instilled at a very young age. I am a professional make-up artist and stylist. My motto has always been beauty without cruelty. My inspiration for design comes from nature and all its weird, wonderful elements. My love for parrots came when I met my fiance and his African Grey, Zazu. I am especially passionate about the smaller birds and parrot species and have a pet peeve for those who refer to them as ‘beginner birds.’ Currently I am exploring the fascinating world of law to help those who cannot help themselves. I hope that one day I will be the difference I would like to see in the world.“

Honeydew, Gauteng

Team Member: Adoptions, Rehabilitation, PR & Correspondence

Vaal Triangle, Gauteng

Team Member: Adoptions, PR & Correspondence

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not.”
– Dr. Seuss, ‘The Lorax’

Since childhood, I’ve had a huge love for animals. As an adult that love has just grown into something that drives me as a human. I enjoy spending my days with my flock which consist of – the hubby, the human kids, the fur kids and the kids with feathers and dinosaur feet. I’ve been told that I have more conversations with animals than I do with the humans. I guess this makes me ‘Mrs Dolittle’, and I’m proud to be!” 

Germiston, Gauteng

Team Member: Rehabilitation

“Proud slave to quite a number of parrots and a small zoo. It’s always been a goal of mine to work in wildlife rehabilitation, having been involved in many rescues over the years, birds seem to be the next logical challenge and step towards my long-term goal. In a chaotic, often ugly world, my birds bring me calm. I believe in Peace, Love, Unity and Respect for all. So thrilled to have joined this incredible organisation!”

Hartebeespoort, North West

Team Member: Adoptions, PR & Correspondence

“I am a working mother of 2 girls. I have a crazy love for animals, especially birds. I have a male Eclectus parrots, Tommy,  that I adopted from Cheeky Beaks. I love doing research on all birds and I would love to study towards becoming an avian vet one day. I became interested in helping parrots early 2020. I found Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue on Facebook and was never aware that parrot rescues existed. I love the idea of being able to help birds in any way possible.”

Bethlehem, Free State

Team Member: Rehabilitation

“Hey there! My name is Ab Coetzee. I’m a Medical Orthotist & Prosthetist specialising in prosthetics. In my free time I created an organisation called Project Wild. Project Wild assists various sanctuaries/rescue centres with their wildlife rehabilitation and also builds wildlife prosthetics for animals and wildlife in need –  from prosthetic wings for eagles to prosthetic limbs for rhinos. I’m also doing a lot of community work (hence my involvement with Cheeky Beaks), where I strive to help a different kind of species that people in this field might usually overlook.”

Bethlehem, Free State

Team Member: Adoptions, Education & Training

“I’m a  farm girl trapped in the small town life. I’ve been in love with animals since I was very young. I’ve had the privilege of helping all sorts of animals from calves, goats, chicks, dogs to cats and everything in between. After meeting Sandy, a rescue Congo African Grey we adopted into our family in 2018, I fell head over heels for our feathered friends and that motivated me to become part of Cheeky Beaks in order to help as many of them as possible. Once you have fallen for them, there is no turning back!”

Durban, Kwazulu-Natal

Team Member: Adoptions, Rehabilitation, Education & Training, Correspondence & PR

“I am a professional mermaid and fire dancer. I have always had a passion for animals, especially rescues in need of rehabilitation and training. I am the proud bird mom of a 14-year-old Galah cockatoo named Buzz. Rescuing my bird opened my eyes to the need for consistency and education in parrot care. After discovering Cheeky Beaks and reading their ethos I knew I wanted to be a part of this fantastic team and help grow their reach to KZN.”

Upper Highway, Kwazulu-Natal

Team Member: Admin, Correspondence & PR, Social Media, Fundraising & Marketing

20-something bird and rat mom & vet clinic receptionist with a degree in English and Psychology. Currently working towards diplomas in avian, canine and feline nutrition and behaviour.

My passion has forever been with animals and birds just have my heart. My family have always said I have a way of picking the waifs and strays that need that extra little bit of loving.

The dream is to live a self-sufficient lifestyle on a little homestead and livestock sanctuary in the middle of nowhere. As humans, it is our duty to care for and respect the creatures we share this world with and organisations like Cheeky Beaks help give a voice to our feathered friends.

Stellenbosch, Western Cape

Team Member: Adoptions, Education & Training, Rehabilitation, Admin

“I have volunteered and worked at many different sanctuaries and educational centres in recent years. I have helped train various parrots while they where in the care of Eagle Encounters and Cheeky Beaks. I volunteer at Eagle Encounters and at Cheetah Outreach at the moment. I have trained my African Red-bellied Parrot and adopted Sun Conure for outdoor free flight under the guidance of a professional trainer. I have done a lot of research on parrot behaviour and nutrition and I have completed courses on parrot nutrition and hormonal behaviour, as well as how to combat that through training and lifestyle changes.” 

George, Western Cape

Team Member: Adoptions, Rehabilitation, Social Media

“My love for animals started from a very young age and continued to grow, so much so that I considered taking on a career in wildlife. In high school, however, I showed an interest in the movie industry. I wasn’t sure if I’d be successful in wildlife, so I changed my course in 2015. Fast forward 6 years, I now work as a 3D artist. My dream was to work on a feature film, which I did! But I still felt empty, like something was missing. I wanted to help animals, that was my whole thing from the start, and so I ended up with 2 wonderful Senegals. I still felt somewhat empty, as if I wasn’t doing enough; I wanted to do more, help more. I came across Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue one day while researching how to properly care for parrots. After a few weeks, I became a foster. I cannot describe what an amazing journey this has been so far, and how much I’ve already learned. I’m so honoured to be part of this incredible team!”

Brackenfell, Western Cape

Team Member: Adoptions, Rehabilitation & Education

“I have been working in the property sector since leaving school. Mother of 3 human children and quite a few four-legged and feather babies.

Table View, Western Cape

Team Member: Adoptions, Education & Training

“I have a small business making parrot toys and accessories called Toys By Cockatoo Jewel, named after my first parrot (a Citron-crested cockatoo) that I inherited from my parents when they had to move overseas for an extended period of time for business purposes. Since then my partner and I have also adopted Chloe, a 40+-year-old Citron-crested cockatoo, that had been badly neglected and abused in her past. Our journey with her has taught me so much about working with highly traumatised and aggressive parrots, especially those with feather destructive behaviour and disabilities. We then proceeded to adopt our third parrot, an Umbrella cockatoo named Marcel, from Cheeky Beaks – he has brought so much fulfilment to our lives and completed our little animal madhouse.” 

Paarl, Western Cape

Team Member: Adoptions, Education

Bergvliet, Western Cape

Team Member: Adoptions, Rehabilitation, Education & Training

“I am so proud to be part of this awesome Cheeky Beaks team! I’ve been working from home since the beginning of 2021 and thought that while I am at home, I could assist with the fostering and rehabbing of birds. I did not think that I would enjoy each challenge as I have and that it has become part of my life so easily. These beautiful creatures have taught me so much; I thoroughly enjoy the challenge of transitioning them onto a healthy diet and watching their little personalities blossom once they are healthy and comfortable in their environment. They are amazing!”

George, Western Cape

Team Member: Adoptions, Rehabilitation & Social Media

“I am a full-time mom of many (human kids, fur kids and feather kids). I won’t change this for anything. I never really knew I loved birds until I got my own. With the help of my best friend and doing constant research, I have learned a lot: from hand-rearing baby chick to helping a bird in need. I can’t thank her enough for introducing me to this incredible, rewarding life. I absolutely LOVE what I do. One day, I will own a farm and then I will take in all the animals in need. But until then, I will help those who can’t help themselves.”