The Charity
The National Parrot Sanctuary is the back bone of Lincolnshire Wildlife Park and is still to this day, the most important aspect of our success. We are now one of the largest parrot sanctuaries in the world, if not ‘The Largest’. Everything we do is based around offering captive animals a more fulfilled life. Take a look at what makes us so unique and learn more about our much needed charity.
Our Aim
To relieve the suffering of parrots and other exotic birds and animals who are in need of care and attention, and to advance the education of the general public in all matters concerning parrots, similar exotic birds, and animals.
Our Objectives
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– To provide a safe, secure, and sustainable sanctuary for rehomed parrots, exotic birds, and animals– To maximise the safety of the general public and minimise the risk to staff, volunteers, and partners– To ensure staff, volunteers, partners and the general public are provided with educational opportunities to improve their awareness of the welfare needs of parrots, exotic birds, and animals– To comply with all extant zoo licensing, charity commission, and wider legislation requirements at all times to deliver an exceptional sanctuary for rehomed parrots, exotic birds, and animals– To be recognised as a national centre for excellence for the welfare of parrots, exotic birds, and animals
Our History
Embark on a journey with us to create a haven that transcends boundaries, an inclusive and accessible sanctuary, a safe haven where animals and people thrive together. Each interaction unfolds an opportunity, utilising the environment to spark learning and foster a profound understanding of animal welfare and the natural world, igniting inspiration for future generations.
Our story unfolds with Steve Nichols BCAv, the visionary behind The National Parrot Sanctuary. In the early 1990s, driven by a passion for parrots with extensive knowledge based on information about these extraordinary creatures, he founded an organisation that began by assisting local parrot owners in Sheffield. Swiftly gaining recognition from national and local animal welfare bodies, we evolved into a global beacon for parrot-related guidance.
Within a year, the journey expanded, leading us to identify the perfect canvas in rural Lincolnshire, a one-acre piece of land that became the foundation for our sanctuary. Over the years, The Parrot Zoo Trust transformed into a beacon of hope, celebrating two decades as a charity in 2023. Today, we extend our support to a diverse array of mammals and birds, including the largest collection of Bengal Tigers in the UK.
As we continue to evolve, our commitment remains unwavering to provide a sanctuary for exotic animals, with over 99.8% of our residents having been rescued. The National Parrot Sanctuary stands as a testament to our unique and vital role, the largest facility of its kind in the UK, shaping the core of our existence. Join us in preserving and cherishing the beauty of our shared sanctuary.
After viewing over 150 potential sites and travelling nearly 10,000 miles he finally located a site situated in Lincolnshire. It was a flat piece of land measuring approximately 1 acre with not one plant on it, but was a perfect blank canvas to design the centre; that was to become The National Parrot Sanctuary.
Finally in 2003 and after all the amazing work achieved by the family in building the centre, it was now in a position to open the doors; but more than that, the organisation could set the foundation stones to becoming one of the largest parrot rescues in the World.
After only a very short while it was realised that this space was never going to be enough to create the refuge for the many birds that needed help. So over the next few years that one acre grew to an area that now spans to well over 20, this should easily give future-proof security for any relevant developments.
Rehoming
Lincolnshire Wildlife Park assists in the re-homing of all exotic species of animal, bird or reptile across the country.
Get Involved
You can help us, help the animals!
Whether it be fund raising, donation to our charity or our Amazon wish-list!
Parrot Zoo Trust
The National Parrot Sanctuary, offering over 30 years of parrot care and rehabilitation.
Fundraisers
Meet our in-house Fund Raiser Eileen Miller & see the amazing work you can help her with!
Our Patrons
Derren Brown
In 2004 Derren Brown became the proud patron (or as he likes to be known, The Patron Saint) of the registered charity the Parrot Zoo Trust. Having had parrots for many years, with an innate fascination for these creatures, it was a natural process to become involved with what is now, probably the worlds largest parrot rescue charity. It is the only one of its type in the United Kingdom to offer long term sanctuary to the many parrots and parakeets that need their assistance.
The Lord Lieutenant
Mr Toby Dennis has been the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire since 2015. The Lord Lieutenancy is an honorary position, apolitical and unpaid. However, each Lord Lieutenant is still personally appointed by the monarch to be his or her representative in their respective counties.
“I am delighted to be a Patron of the Charity and applaud the whole team for their hard work, dedication, and commitment. I am pleased to be a part of a team that is delivering innovative, exciting, and ambitious projects for the continued success of the Park. The Park is a remarkable place and the team are exceptional people.”
Our Ambasadors
Ivan Massow
Entrepreneur
Ivan is a well known British financial services entrepreneur and media personality. Ivan collects figurative contempory art, often visiting art colleges and studios.
“Most of us like an animal of some description, but few dedicate their entire lives to caring for them. I am proud to be a personal supporter of the Parrot Zoo Trust, a wonderful charity with Steve Nichols at the helm of a dedicated team of carers, who all relentlessly and selflessly offer needy creatures one-to-one attention 24 hours a day for 365 days every year.”
Cleo Rocos
Businesswoman & actress
Cleo is a British acrtess, comedian, businesswoman and presenter that starred alongside Kenny Everett. She also soemtimes presents on BBC Radio London and has had a long acting career.
“As an Ambassador I am very proud to be associated with such a unique animal charity. As a parrot owner myself for over 20 years, I know firsthand of the time and dedication required to look after just one bird, so caring for the hundreds that these amazing guys and girls do daily is absolutely awe-inspiring.”
Danny Miller
Actor
Danny Miller is well known for his role as Aaron Dingle in the hit TV Soap Opera, Emmerdale. He also starred on the 21st series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here and won.
“I am proud to become an Ambassador of Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, everyone at the Park works so hard to give these beautiful animals a great home when they are most in need.”
Meet Our Trustees
Jon Mansfield
Chairperson
Jon is a former senior officer Royal Air Force navigator who had a second career working for a US defence contractor supporting a NATO education and training facility. More recently, Jon is the founder and director of his own business that provides educational and organisational support to military contracts, and more general support to a Lincolnshire-based charity that supports the armed forces community. Jon became a trustee in December 2023 and is keen to learn as much as possible about the Park’s animals, staff, and volunteers so that he can repay the trust shown in him by the Board of Trustees.
Keith May
Trustee & Treasurer
Keith grew up in Skegness, before leaving to join the Army in 1996. During his 22 year career, he served in a variety of units as a military clerk, before qualifying as a Chartered Management Accountant in 2013. On retiring from the military in 2018, Keith set up his own accountancy firm in Skegness. He amalgamated with Bilsby Bookkeeping in 2022. Outside of work, Keith loves Star Wars Lego and all things Star Wars. His other hobbies include chess, listening to music (especially rock and heavy metal) and reading sci-fi and fantasy novels.
Keith joined the Board of Trustees in 2025 as the Treasurer.
Andrew Kille
VICE CHAIR
I grew up in Portsmouth during the 60s and 70s, leaving Portsmouth Grammar School at 16 and returning to adult education in my late 20s and 30s for my degree and post graduate qualification.
After a few years in commerce in the Portsmouth area, and a spell as a volunteer Special Constable with Hampshire Constabulary, I joined Sussex Police as full-time regular officer, retiring thirty years later as an Inspector after spells on uniform patrol, CID, custody block, a home office project, as a tactical firearms commander and many more.
My wife and I moved to Scotland for a peaceful retirement, but we fell into politics there and were both elected to Aberdeenshire Council, a unitary authority with a turnover in the region of £1 billion and around 16,000 staff. I went on to become Leader of the Council during the pandemic.
At the 2022 elections, we stood down, returning to the south coast for family reasons and I began to take on volunteer board and trustee roles.
In June 2025 we finally moved into the area into a house we had owned for some years and I was delighted to be appointed to the board of trustees for LWP.
David Kime
Trustee
I was born and bred in Friskney, as were my parents and grandparents, so when I was asked if I was interested in becoming a Trustee, I jumped at the chance to give something back to the community.
I run a company that advises businesses on systems and IT as well as being a part-owner in a new and growing accountancy practice, with over 35 years experience in helping businesses survive and thrive.
As a keen motorcyclist, you will often find me out and about on Lincolnshire’s roads (avoiding the potholes) on a nice sunny day or down by the river, fishing.
John Roper
Trustee
Emma Green
Trustee
Travelers’ Choice 2026
Many travellers far and wide go to Trip Advisor for help and advice on where to go for a day out. Lincolnshire Wildlife Park has been given the Certificate of excellence for the last 5 years running and we intend on keeping it that way!
In 2026 we received the Travelers’ Choice Award as one of the top 10% attractions Worldwide to visit!
Click on the link below to be taken straight to our page and see what our visitors say about the park or to write your own personal take on us!