Since opening our doors in 2020, 79 pigeons have called Bobber’s Pigeon Sanctuary home. Ten of those incredible birds have since passed away, but every one of them helped shape our sanctuary and reminds us why this work matters.

Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing the stories of all 79 birds—including those we’ve lost. Each bird has a unique journey. Some arrived with life-threatening injuries. Some were abandoned or neglected. Many survived industries that viewed them as disposable. Every one of them has a distinct personality, favorite friends, funny quirks, and a story worth telling.

Our hope is that these stories do more than raise money. We want to help people see pigeons for who they truly are: intelligent, emotional individuals who deserve compassion. Along the way, we’ll also be shedding light on the many ways pigeons are exploited—from racing, releases, and the meat industry to the pet trade and other forms of human use.

Recently, we lost a beloved resident named Winston. His passing has stayed with us, in part because we know that the cost of veterinary care delayed the treatment he needed. We did everything we could to support him here, but we can’t help wondering whether having the funds for immediate medical care might have changed the outcome. We will never know for certain, but we do know that no bird should have to wait for lifesaving treatment because the money isn’t available.

In the rescue world, we face the heartbreaking reality of having to manage limited resources daily. Running a sanctuary means we have to allocate our funds very thoughtfully and intentionally, often doing our best to help a bird stabilize and push through a crisis at home before escalating to expensive emergency intervention.

It is a tough truth to share, but if rescues had unlimited funds, we could choose immediate emergency vetting for every single scenario without a second thought. Perhaps, with immediate 24/7 specialist care, this outcome could have been different—but grassroots rescues must do the absolute best they can with the delicate resources we have on hand.

In Winston’s memory, we’re creating the Winston Emergency Veterinary Fund for Bobber’s Pigeon Sanctuary. This fund will help ensure that future residents can receive urgent veterinary care as quickly as possible, without financial barriers delaying treatment.

Our sanctuary has room for 70 permanent residents, so our first goal is to raise $7,000- about $100 for each sanctuary space.

Of course, we know that $100 won’t pay for a major medical emergency. Opal’s recent surgeries alone cost over $4,000, and many birds require ongoing treatment throughout their lives. This goal isn’t meant to cover every expense—it’s meant to build a foundation. A starting point. A safety net that helps us say “yes” when a bird needs urgent care, regardless of what tomorrow brings.

Whether you give, share this fundraiser, or simply follow along as we introduce each bird, you’re helping create a future where every pigeon who comes through our doors has a chance to receive the care they deserve.

Thank you for believing that every pigeon is worth saving.

We are better when we flock together