Pietermaritzburg, Kwazulu-Natal

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

Director

“I am a biology student in Port Elizabeth. I have a passion for animals and have 2 Senegal Parrots named Tango and Foxy, as well as a cockatiel named Dustin (along with many other pets such as chinchillas, a rabbit, dog, and cat). 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

Director

“I am a COAPE behaviourist as well as an 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 is 18 years young.”

Vanderbijl, Gauteng

Team Member

“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.”

Linden, Gauteng

Team Member

“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.”

Benoni, Gauteng

Admin Assistant

“I’m a BScAgric Animal Science 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!”

Roodepoort, Gauteng

 Admin Assistant 

“I cannot remember a time when there weren’t birds in my life – at the age of one I would accompany my grandmother to tend to her vast flock – ranging from budgies to lories to a Jardine parrot. At five I rescued my first bird – a neurologically damaged budgie whose owners had left him at the vet. I seem to have a thing for odd birds – the ones that no one else want. I am honoured to join the Cheeky Beaks team – a group of people who are more passionate about birds than any you will ever meet.” 

 Krugersdorp, Gauteng

Team Member

“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.“

Fourways, Gauteng

Team Member

“Once I brought home my first African Grey there was no turning back. The world of birds in captivity changed my life. There was so much to learn. The shock of unwanted and abused birds changed my views of humankind forever. The sadness of much loved birds looking for new homes due to unforeseen circumstances touched my heart. I wanted to reach out and help wherever possible, to ensure that birds have the life they deserve while owners experience the magic of sharing life with these mysterious, intelligent, (often misunderstood) little sentient beings. I found a home at Cheeky Beaks where I can make a difference.”

Bethlehem, Free State

 Team Member 

“I’m a 28-year-old 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!”

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Team Member

“I’m currently studying Intermediate Phase Teaching at Varsity College in Port Elizabeth. I have had experience with birds through friends and family in the form of pet sitting. I saw the post for Buddy and Basil, the budgies, on Facebook in a group and decided to apply to adopt them. That’s when I learned that the people in my circles have technically been caring for birds incorrectly. After starting to get involved with Cheeky Beaks, I heard that the support in the Eastern Cape area was lacking and decided to offer some help.”

Middelburg, Mpumalanga

 Team Member 

“I am a proud owner of 3 adorable birds. I fell in love with birds when I got my first cockatiel, Albert, and then 2 budgies followed. It has been my personal mission to inform people more about the care of birds, because I too made mistakes when I first started. It is an absolute honour to be part of the Cheeky Beaks team, as it was my dream to become part of their team since the day I discovered this organisation on Facebook!” 

Durban, Kwazulu-Natal

Team Member

“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

“21-year-old bird mom and university student working my way towards a neuropsychology degree. My passion has always been with animals and birds have my heart. The dream is to live a self-sufficient lifestyle on a little homestead 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

“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.” 

Sonstraal Heights, Western Cape

Team Member

“Birds have been a huge part of my life since I was young. When I was 10 years old I made the huge commitment of owning an African grey. Peedee has now been in my life for 18 years and it is no surprise my life revolves around him! I have always wanted to get involved in bird rescue and rehabilitation so I am so excited to be a part of Cheeky Beaks and meet all the Greys (wink wink). I am completing my Masters Degree in Biotechnology and would love to further my education in the field of ornithology.“ 

Strand, Western Cape

 Team Member 

“I’m 23 years old and 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 own three of my own parrots: a Blue and Gold Macaw, an Eclectus and a Maximillian Pionus. 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.” 

Table View, Western Cape

Team Member

“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.” 

Table View, Western Cape

Team Member

“My dream was to become a vet, however it didn’t happen for me and my only option was another career. I needed to remind myself it’s about the animals and not me. I started thinking about how I could contribute towards the helping animals. That’s when I came into contact with bunnies – and later, birds. I had then started volunteering to foster bunnies… and I met the Cheeky Beaks team, so I decided I wanted to foster birds as well as assist with social media awareness for this awesome organization. My long-term goal is to have a smallholding on which I can open an exotic animal clinic and foster many parrots and bunnies.“