Help The Birds That Nobody Wanted
(Posted by Admin)
His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche has a very spontaneous and natural love for animals since he was a child. He feels deeply for animals because he had observed that all beings need love, sustenance and are averse to pain and suffering.
Rinpoche teaches empathy towards animals that are unable to free themselves from captivity, aggression or even express how they feel. That is why Rinpoche cannot bear to see severely neglected pets in his neighborhood and would do whatever it takes to rescue them. In pet shops, Rinpoche would notice unsold birds that are languishing in little cages that most people would not have noticed. Therefore, Rinpoche would rescue these animals and he would look out for those that are abused or neglected.
Unfortunately, birds are not as popular or likeable as other types of animals such as dogs, cats or even hamsters and that is why we seldom hear of birds being rescued as much as other types of animals. The rescue of birds from pet shops is not meant to encourage the trade of breeding or capturing wild animals. That is because the rescue of these birds is not substantial enough to increase the demand for live animals. Hence, these rescues are done purely to create awareness for the humane treatment of animals and to encourage others to be kind to animals as well.
At Kechara Forest Retreat (http://retreat.kechara.com) in Malaysia, it took four weeks to construct an aviary in the area behind Wisdom Hall. The aviary is over 15 feet in height and spans over 4000 square feet. It was designed to incorporate the original trees there and have abundant space for the birds to stretch their wings. It is still enclosed to protect the birds from other wild animals like boars and snakes, stray cats and dogs. The aviary also has some pools for the birds to cool off with lots of hanging toys and mirrors that are meant to keep them stimulated, happy and active. The floor of the aviary is covered with soft sand so the birds can land safely on the ground without getting hurt. Generally the aviary is designed to simulate the environment of their natural habitat.
Tour this paradise for birds
The Birds of the Aviary
The current occupants of the Kechara Forest Retreat aviary are:-
12 Cockatiels
Please click (donate) to adopt a Cockatiel
1 Malaysian Parrot
Please click (donate) to adopt the Malaysian Parrot
20 Budgies
Please click (donate) to adopt a Budgie
4 Majestic Cockatoos
Here’s pretty Drolka, whose name means White Tara.
Please click (donate) to adopt Drolka
The cute Dechog and that is Tibetan for the powerful Tantric Buddha Heruka Chakrasamvara.
Please click (donate) to adopt Dechog
The indefatigable Gongkar which means White Mahakala in Tibetan
Please click (donate) to adopt Gongkar
The recently rescued Boy
Please click (donate) to adopt the Boy
2 African Greys
The curious Aki that’s also known as ‘Old Man’
Please click (donate) to adopt Aki
The loveable Jamyang also known as Manjushri
Please click (donate) to adopt Jamyang
At this point, these birds cannot be released into the wild because they are not native of the region and will not survive there.
Besides the birds, we also have 2 tortoises called Menlha who is male and smaller and Kadro who is female and bigger. They live on the floor of the aviary.
2 Tortoises
This is the smaller male tortoise, Menlha or Medicine Buddha.
Please click (donate) to adopt Menlha
The larger female tortoise by the name of Kadro or female sky-goer
Please click (donate) to adopt Kadro
5 Sugar Cane Parrots
1 Zebra Dove
The Main Caretaker
The main caretaker is KB Thapa
The Aviary
View of aviary from higher ground.
The perches are fun places for the birds to hang out.
There are many toys hung around the aviary for the birds to play with…
This is the feeding corner where fresh food and fruits are available in containers all day long.
African Grey Aki and Jamyang at the feeding area…
Holy images of Lord Buddha and His disciples in the aviary blessing the birds and the environment…
View at the entrance of the aviary.
Food Costs
Breakdown of the cost of food to feed the birds and tortoises per month.
a) Millet (a pack of 20kg) at RM80 per pack
Two packs = RM160
b) Sunflower seeds at RM250 per pack
One pack = RM250
c) Fresh corn, apples, long beans and other veggies
= RM320
Total food expenses for birds and tortoises per month is RM730 (USD218) Therefore, a year’s supply of food would be RM8,760 or USD2,506
Other Miscellaneous Costs
a) Multivitamins to keep the birds vibrant and healthy – RM25 per month
This adds up to a yearly cost of RM300
b) General maintenance of bird toys, perches, special snacks (special hanging millet sprays etc). Replaced every 3-4 months.
Approximate cost per year = RM2,000
c) Medical costs
Approximate cost per year = RM500
Total miscellaneous cost for a year is RM2800 or USD837
You may not have the space, resources or ability to care for animals like Rinpoche. However, you can still take your very first step by donating to the aviary fund that goes towards purchasing the bird food, aviary utilities, maintenance, caretaker’s salary etc. When you donate, you are doing your part in making sure that these animals have a good home and food for the rest of their lives. Please click the donate button below:-
Recovery Aviary
We are currently building a Recovery Aviary at Kechara Forest Retreat, to create a quarantine area for sick birds to recover away from the general population. These are pictures to update you on the progress of the works there.
May 8, 2015
New at Kechara Forest Retreat: Due to Rinpoche’s compassion and great concern for abused and neglected birds, we’re currently in the process of building a 720sq ft Recovery Aviary behind the existing 4000sq ft aviary for sick birds that need to be quarantined.
Foundation work of the Recovery Aviary has started with steel reinforcement bars being placed in the ground
May 12, 2015
Concrete work connecting the beam structures has started in the Recovery Aviary
Workers are creating a pavement. The aviary cage will be installed on top of this later
May 16, 2015
Recovery Aviary work in progress: Brick work to create a pavement around the Recovery Aviary continues
Floor trap piping for water drainage being installed before a platform for the washing area is built
May 22, 2015
Brickwork for the pavement of the aviary has been completed and soft sand has been put in place for the aviary
Soft sand is used as flooring for hygiene purposes as well as for the birds to be able to land safely
The installation of the metal framework for the Recovery Aviary has begun
May 24, 2015
Installation work on the Recovery Aviary
Workers have also started constructing the drainage. Here, in the bottom left of the image, you can see the parameter for the drain around the aviary being dug.
May 28, 2015
Trenches have been dug for drains to be built surrounding the Recovery Aviary.
Workers are completing the installation of steel netting walls onto the aviary
View of the Recovery Aviary
June 1, 2015
Polycarbonate roofing for the Recovery Aviary has been installed. The aviary is half-covered and half-exposed for the birds to enjoy a natural rain bath when it rains.
The metal structure work is now complete. The workers are currently cementing the drain as well as the curb surrounding the Recovery Aviary.
Another view of the Recovery Aviary behind our Nursery and our existing big Aviary.
New toys have been distributed throughout our current 4000 sq ft Aviary which houses the general population of our birds.
Toys in the aviary are regularly replaced to keep them fresh and new.
Toys are added to the aviary to keep the birds stimulated and to help maintain beak health. Millet sprays are hung up as a nice treat for the birds. Notice everything is generally hung to the walls of the aviary, to leave the main aviary space itself unobstructed so the birds have plenty of space to fly and stretch their wings.
A selection of toys and bird food most recently purchased for the aviary.
Below are some variation of toys used in the aviary. Similar toys will be hung up in the Recovery Aviary once it is completed.
June 6, 2015
Cement work for the curb and drain surrounding the Recovery Aviary has been completed.
Food trays for the birds in the Recovery Aviary are specially designed for the birds to perch on. The trays can also be pulled out from the outside to be refilled with bird food, without entering the aviary which may contain aggressive birds.
Food trays for the birds in the Recovery Aviary are specially designed for the birds to perch on. The trays can also be pulled out from the outside to be refilled with bird food, without entering the aviary which may contain aggressive birds.
An electrician starting electrical work in the Recovery Aviary. Here, a small ditch is being dug along the drain of the aviary where electrical cables will be laid later.
A worker is cementing the curb along the food tray area inside the Recovery Aviary.
A view of the Recovery Aviary roof from the inside. The Recovery Aviary is half-covered and half-exposed for the birds to get natural sunlight and rain whenever needed.
The land in front of the Recovery Aviary is being levelled so that our KFR Green Team can start landscaping it.
The electrician has completed the wiring for the Recovery Aviary and have installed spotlights and timers. The spotlights are placed to keep the birds warm especially during cold rainy days.
June 7, 2015
Young Kirk donates from his savings to help the birds to live a good life. He is a sensitive and kind person who cares about animals.
June 11, 2015
Cement walkway to the Recovery Aviary has been built. A worker is doing a final touch-up, tidying up the edges. Tomorrow they will start planting grass around the aviary.
Water piping was also installed inside the aviary today.
June 13, 2015
The Green Team of Kechara Forest Retreat have started landscaping the land surrounding the Recovery Aviary. Trees have been planted and they are in the midst of planting grass.
Sprinklers have been installed inside the aviary. They will be turned on during hot days to cool the birds as well as allow them to take their showers which they love.
The birds love to eat fruits like papaya so on one side of the Recovery Aviary land, a group of papaya trees has been planted.
June 26, 2015
The building of a 720sq ft Recovery Aviary is finally complete. This is the view from the front as you walk from our existing 4000sq ft Aviary. A stone Buddha has been strategically placed to bless all the birds, animals and insects around this area.
Fans have been installed around the Recovery Aviary to ensure that the birds get a cooling breeze on hot sunny days.
The Recovery Aviary is divided into three separate houses and the first and biggest one is occupied by Gongkar the Cockatoo. Gongkar (top right) came to say hello in these pictures and is enjoying his new home.
Unable to adjust to the general population of birds, Gongkar requires his own space.
Now Gongkar can spread his wings and fly instead of being caged up.
Inspired by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche’s s compassion to benefit all beings and plant the seed of Dharma in them, a Buddha statue is placed in each and every house. Gongkar has a Fasting Buddha in his aviary to bless him.
An aviary would be incomplete without colourful toys to ensure the birds, who are very intelligent, are not bored and have something to keep them entertained. When they get bored and depressed they can start plucking their own feathers. As you can see, Gongkar’s aviary is filled with many toys.
The soft sand in the Recovery Aviary ensures the birds have a safe and soft landing instead of a hard concrete one. It is also for hygiene purposes as well as creating a natural habitat for the birds.
This is the second house in the Recovery Aviary. This space is also beautifully decorated with plants, small trees, toys and a lovely Golden Buddha to bless the future birds that will occupy this space. CCTV has also been installed around the aviary so that the birds can be easily monitored to ensure their safety and well-being.
This is the third house in the Recovery Aviary which is also decorated with toys, plants and a peaceful stone Buddha. Everything in the aviary is designed to ensure the birds are comfortable, safe and given the best natural habitat to live in coupled with the blessings of the Buddha. All this is based on H.E. Tsem Rinpoche’s feedback and concern for the rescued birds, making sure they are well provided and cared for always.
These are videos and blog posts with more details of each of the birds in the aviary. Enjoy!!!
Tsem Rinpoche saving fish, birds and bats…
Tsem Rinpoche feeding wild birds daily
The Chair
I have one chair I usually sit on to do my sadhana, watch a program, read, write, research and so on. But many times I return from my bathroom, Oser girl has taken over my chair. She gives me this look like, it’s her chair! She’s a spunky little schnauzer. The room has so much space, other sofas and places of interest, but my Oser has to hijack my chair always. I have to gently move her over and squeeze in next to her like I did last night into the same chair. We sat together for hours and she fell asleep in my chair huddled against me. Love is sharing a chair even though it’s meant for one occupant at a time. ? Tsem Rinpoche
It is incredible how smart Oser girl is. She can steal the treat away from Dharma boy and so casually. Wow. She is so smart. A must watch short video!! Tsem Rinpoche
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGQcQh3S12U&feature=youtu.be
Mumu boy was Tsem Rinpoche’s little Schnauzer. Partly because of Mumu Kechara was started and you must find out why that is. Do read more and see very cute adorable pictures: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=122472
Tsem Rinpoche’s two adorable cute Schnauzer dogs Oser girl (white) and Dharma boy up to their various antics. Short videos that will warm up your day and give you a ‘cute attack!’ Enjoy!
“Tsem Rinpoche’s Schnausers Oser and Dharma trying their luck”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGD7CtNmnuI
“Tsem Rinpoche’s adorable Schnauzers Oser and Dharma have a challenge!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX1UdH7IjQ8
“Friendly Encounter”-Oser and Dharma meet Johnny & Casper
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVFk77PAOYk
“Friendly Encounter”-Soer & Dharma meet Johnny & Casper (2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkuXAcveV0E
“Tsem Rinpoche’s Pet Schnauzer Oser’s Treat Time!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ANtRnEFREA
“Tsem Rinpoche’s doggie Oser girl and Dharma boy getting treats”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMUWYvWk3no
“Dharma fights Chip! Showdown between Tsem Rinpoche’s pet Schnauzer and a dog on wheels!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmGg6g8waNg
“Dharma & Oser Getting Treats in Playhouse”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2dp8Fm87CQ
A poem by Tsem Rinpoche
Tsem Rinpoche at Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong, Malaysia
I just watched some short video about how the animals being saved by Rinpoche. Those video really inspired me to treat animals in equality like human beings.Previoulsly(before I join Kechara), I won’t take any actions on any death animals but today I will recite mantra blow to death animals for his good rebirth.
I feel very happy to see that the Aviary can filled with many abandoned birds and saved by Rinpoche. I wish all the actions and jobs done by Rinpoche will create awareness on any animals.
Thanks Rinpoche for the wonderful video sharing.
With folded hands,
Jason
谢谢仁波切您的慈悲，让众多的众生得到加持和得到重生的机会！
在每个月的放生活动，我都和几位朋友到鱼市场买鱼放生，但每次到达鱼市场购鱼时，我都看到一部分的鱼都已经被生生的宰杀，血淋淋的，看了好心酸心疼，然后，依照上师您的教导，在场我每次都念诵六字大明咒，过后，回向给已被宰杀或还活着的，让它们下一世可以得到更好的投生。
仁波切对一切众生都是那么的慈悲 ！不单只是这一群鸟类，还有一群被遗弃和受伤的狗狗，乌龟等等，记得仁波切您时常还带着些狗粮来喂食街头的流浪狗。
希望大家可以对动物，鱼类和鸟群重视，因为动物是我们的朋友，不是我们的食物 ！
仁波切非常提倡持素，因为持素就是永久的放生 ！
Very overwhelmed here at the generosity of all the donations coming in to help our rescued birds have a chance at a normal life…. Bless each and everyone of you for helping with their medical, food and care…Bless everyone for taking on this cute animals and making all of this possible for them..
If you like animals, please support us in taking care of neglected and or abandoned birds. Thanks to the generosity of many, we have a 4,000 sq ft aviary along with smaller aviaries for them to fly around without being constrained in small cages. We also have activities for children to learn about the birds and taking care of animals in general so that they understand the responsibilities entailed in caring for animals…
We are reaching out to our current volunteers who are interested in helping with aviary up keeping! We have a lot of fun events like free market would love your help if possible. If you are interested please contact us here….
谢谢仁波切的分享
仁波切慈悲为怀，慈悲的爱是没有分别，不管你是人，还是狗，猫或是鸟类。
所有的动物都有生命，需要爱与关怀，我们真心的付出慈悲的爱，动物都会感受得到真心的爱与关怀。
我们不应该对动物不公平也不应该虐待动物，它们一样会害怕。
如果大家想要付出一点爱心，就帮助克切拉禅修林的鸟儿们赞助它们，希望鸟儿们可以在一个舒服安全生命不会在受到生命的威胁。
可以在一个非常舒服有人照顾的地方快乐安心生活。
你们的一点爱心，把生命照亮。
Rinpoche always rescue birds from around kl and kampung area in Malaysia. Rescued birds not very easy to take care because they are been in the cage for many years and how people they treated them.. it takes many months build the trust and get close to the birds. Thanks to Rinpoche’s kindness and teaching us tiredlessly to motivate take care another beings…
It is still enclosed to protect the birds from other wild animals like boars and snakes, stray cats and dogs. The aviary also has some pools for the birds to cool off with lots of hanging toys and mirrors that are meant to keep them stimulated, it took many weeks to made this aviary .. Lots of people hard work and their dedications.. Truely fees when we enter the aviary…. Such a beautiful aviary..
Are you an animal lover? If u r so this is best place kechara Forest retreat aviary .. Our aviary designed such a way to for birds to have happy and healthy life.. If u come here,,I can help u take picture with our cute birds and teach u how to take care them… Your thoughtful comments and any short of help will be appreciated ..
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/videos/help-the-birds-that-nobody-wanted.html
We would really appreciate your help, however. Keeping all of these cute animals fed and healthy is a very hard work and costs a lot of money, especially we depend purely upon donations. Please help us whatever u can .. Thank you, KB
Yesterday I went to look at the kechara forest aviary. found lots of eggs from budgies that means our birds are happy what we have provided them. if we show love and care to any living being in return they show happiness..Thank you, kb
H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche always cares for animals and always make sure they are well taking care in our Kechara forest retread aviary. Rinpoche gives teaching how to ganerate and love and compassion for all living beings by taking care of animals simple way to develop love and kindess. Thank you Rinpoche, KB
Rinpoche loves animals and has always consistently shown them care and love. I’ve seen this with my own eyes from the time I met Rinpoche over 8 years ago. In the exact same way that animals are being cared for today in Kechara Forest Retreat, when we were working out of a small house, Rinpoche used almost all the available outdoor space for the care and wellbeing of rescued animals, but on a smaller scale.
Over the years, the aviary grew in size and in population as more people came forward to support this worthy cause. And everyone who contributed their time, effort, funds, research, etc to caring for the animals definitely created the merit and the causes for us to be able to save animals on a much larger scale, as we are doing in KFR today.
Here are some pictures of one of the aviaries where rescued birds were housed prior to the one in KFR. Some of the birds have been rehabilitated and released back into the wild, while others who are unable to survive on their own have moved up to the retreat center with us to live out the rest of their lives 🙂
One of Rinpoche’s dearest wishes is to have an animal sanctuary in the future which can offer sanctuary to more abandoned, abused and neglected animals whom no one wants. To help us create the causes for this to happen, or to support the care of the animals we have today, please adopt a bird or contribute to their care through this link: http://www.vajrasecrets.com/animal-care-fund
Some of us may not necessarily have the ability to commit to saving and caring for fellow earthlings. Although we are not able to go all the way at this moment, it should not hinder us from taking baby-steps to make a difference by reducing their suffering. Thus, take your first step by supporting our team by donating to the bird food, aviary utilities & maintenance, workers’ salary etc. and bringing the birds to a happy home that is well taken care of.
As human beings, we do so much harm to animals and its environment, it is no wonder why some people think that if the human species were to become extinct it can be a good thing for billions of animals and also the planet.
The nets that are set to catch birds is really cruel, sometimes I have heard the trappers forget to pick up the birds and the birds just die in the traps from exposure to heat and the sun. Thank you to rinpoche who shows us the way.
As said in the religious tenets, “A man should not wander about seeing how all creatures are being treated, as he himself would not want to be treated in the same way!” It is believed too, that at every level of society,the key to a happier and more successful world is the growth of compassion. So therefore, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s dearest wish for the building of our Kechara Forest Retreat avairy is, “the very best that we can do is to create a living environment that is similar to their natural environment for the birds. Pricipal purpose of the KFR avairy is for rescuing of birds and to ensure that these poor creatures have a good home and food for the rest of their lives. Simultaneously, Kechara hopes to create an awareness for humane treatment of animals,which represents an essential key to a happier and more successful world! The essence of Lord Buddha’s teaching is compassion, wisdom and understanding of the human mind for the enlightenment of all beings.Om mani Padme hung.
RInpoche’s love for animals really inspires me. It makes me see how special animals really are and how we should treat them better. Rinpoche is one of my inspirations of becoming a vegetarian. If it wasn’t for Rinpoche i wouldn’t be saving so many animal lives today.
Regarding the post, I agree with the Admin when he/she said that birds are not as popular as dogs or cats. Which then leads to birds not being rescued as much as dogs or cats. I think that this is just sad. People should look at all animals equally and treat them all the same. You shouldn’t treat an animal based on its appearance, but on the fact that it is a living thing. I am happy that there are some people, such as Rinpoche, that care for all animals no matter what kind of animals they are or how they look.
I think that Rinpoche is doing a good thing by trying to get these birds adopted. I hope that these birds get adopted to a good family where they will be loved and taken very well care of. They deserve it, no animal needs to be treated badly.
大概是因为感受不到它们的痛苦。謝謝仁波切分享此文章引起我們的慈心起，不僅鳥类，但其他眾生也是如此。仁波切是真的慈悲，表現出衆生皆平等，怜惜所有的眾生。个人感觉捐助食物及藥品於受伤或残疾的鳥兒之舉，最为殊勝，護生勝於为某種所求而買鸟放生。
Tsem Tulku Rinpoche is really kind and show his compassion to all the sentient beings, most of the people only pay attention to dogs or cats as we can see them everywhere(this is good as well), very less people are birds lover and concern about those birds in pet shops, probably it is because we can not see their facial expressions so people does not really care about them and feel their suffering. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this to us to arouse our love for not only birds but also other beings as well.
Sorry, is HE Tsem Rinpoche, please forgive my careless
HE Tsem Rinpoche believes in extending his love to all beings, especially those who cannot fend for themselves. Here’s another of Rinpoche’s facet of love and empathy towards these feathered friends. Rinpoche would always go out to pet stores and look for the birds which nobody wants and buy them at whole price so that they will have good and spacious homes. In some cases, there are birds which are sick or have suffered much abuse by previous owners. Rinpoche will find a way to get them into his care. Join Rinpoche in this effort which helps these beings to gain a lease in life
It is so true that birds are less likeable than other domestic pets…hence lesser awareness of them being abused or caged in tight compartments.
Rinpoche’s care goes beyond that to humans alone, extending to even animals. Through Rinpoche, I learn to care, respect and love animals.
Making simple donations is a small step towards learning compassion through giving.
Do support this kind cause.
Thank you.
The best way to repay our Guru ‘s kindness are to support his Dharma works and activities including the birds aviary , we should felt fortunate able to contribute our little efforts while we can. Finally we gained the ultimate benefits in supporting all dharma works .