Wings Over the Rainbow is a rescue and sanctuary in Moraine, Ohio for neglected, abused and abandoned exotic birds. We have hundreds of birds under our roof and in our care. We are a public charity under IRS regulations and survive on the good will of animal lovers.
On this site you will find our stories, photographs, contact information and more. Wings Over the Rainbow is housed with our Exotic Bird Store.
Any bird placed with WOTR will not be turned into or used as a breeder. This is a strict policy and will not be overlooked. We will not break up breeders that are placed with us. Breeders that are placed with us will not be set up with nest boxes or sold as breeders. As mentioned above, if breeders are placed with us, they will be kept together. These birds are like humans and form strong bonds that last a lifetime. If we have birds that have paired off together, they will not be separated. We pride ourselves in doing what is right for our birds and what will keep them healthy, at any cost.
Breeders that are brought to us are cared for like all other birds. Birds breed and mate for life. A favorite story of mine is about Canadian Geese. Did you know that Canadian Geese stayed with their mate for life? Yes, it is true. Their mating habits are similar to many bird species. Once they have found their mate, coupled with them, produced a family, they never go to another goose. Did you also know that these birds fly in the infamous “V” pattern that we are all used to seeing? Have you ever noticed that when you watch these magnificent birds fly overhead that on some occasions you will see an empty spot in the “V” formation? This is because they always have their place in the formation and since they mate for life, each couple flies one in front of the other in the formation. If one of them is injured, or worst, killed, then that spot is forever left open until the rest of the flock have also gone away.
Our birds are no different. They will also mate for life and to preserve their well-being, we will not separate breeding or mated pairs. As we grow, we will try to put them in indoor/outdoor habitats that promote their quality of life. If babies happen to come from our breeding pairs, we will wean them and put them up for adoption. Again, NO rescue or sanctuary bird will be purposefully used as breeders. Many of our rescue and sanctuary birds were brought to us as breeding pairs. WOTR is not a breeding business and will not operate as such.
Some of our rescue and sanctuary breeders have killed their mates or have hurt other birds. These birds have the right to a happy, healthy life just like any other bird. We keep them safe from themselves and other birds and work with them so they can live out their lives.
We also work with and take in handicap birds. We have taken in many babies that were handicapped. These babies are weaned and placed free of charge with good parents who learn to love and care for them, with our help. We will never place an unweaned baby. All birds are fully weaned before going to their new homes.
We do help people place their birds for a nominal fee at Wings Over the Rainbow. The owner has Macaws and have belonged to her for over 10 years and will not part with them. She also has Greys and Eclectus.
We will not turn away any bird. Birds placed with us are rehabilitated as needed and placed in loving homes. Many people do not understand that these birds can live to be 50 - 100 years old!
We are not here to make money off of the pain and suffering of birds. We are here to help them, no matter what it takes. We believe there are not bad birds, just bad people. We also believe we must give back what we have done to one of God's greatest creatures. We have an obligation to help them.
The owner Deborah Shell gives 24 hour care to her birds. This is her ministry from the Lord. She does not turn down any bird that need a place to live including any birds that are ill. Deborah has spent 25 years of her life fighting for this important case in providing a safe haven for both healthy and sick birds. Through prayer the Lord has provided all of her needs to continue operation of Wings Over the Rainbow.
The goal that Deborah has for the future is to build a big sanctuary on five acres of land. There will be a quarantine area for sick birds with in-house veterinarian care. Habitats with free flight areas for African Greys, Macaws, and other birds. necessary for their health and wellbeing. There will be a garden area where people can come and sit and enjoy the birds. Deborah would also like to have an Education Center at the sanctuary. The place where children and adults can learn about caring for their birds. The center would also provide weekend classes and seminars for people interested in whatever topics that are being taught on birds
If you are in town, stop back and see us. Our feathered friends love to see nice friendly faces.