A Secret Garden Full of Parrots

Nancy and Mr. Peaches. rheindel1116 (Atlas Obscura User)

Nancy feeding one of the parrots a carrot. rheindel1116 (Atlas Obscura User)

The beautiful sanctuary. rheindel1116 (Atlas Obscura User)

You will enjoy the parrots and learn much. broadripplehome (Atlas Obscura User)

Buffon’s Macaw Also known as Great Green Macaw, this bird is native to Central and South America. Now being endangered, bird organizations dedicated to save this specie have estimated that there are only 1000 to 2500 birds living in the wild. broadripplehome (Atlas Obscura User)

Nancy and a favorite rare parrot, an endangered species, Hyacinth Macaw, willingly engages with visitors to expand their understanding of the plight of birds locally and the world in her quiet, delightful and knowledgeable manner. broadripplehome (Atlas Obscura User)

Hyacinth Macaw enjoys Nancy's attention. broadripplehome (Atlas Obscura User)

Nancy Forrester’s Secret garden is a must-see on your Key West adventure. It’s a magical, wondrous sanctuary for both the people who visit and the rescued birds who call the place home.

Nancy Forrester, an environmental activist and educator, founded the sanctuary decades ago to care for unwanted and abandoned parrots. Guests are welcome to visit and entertain the intelligent, social birds. Every day, Nancy hosts a “Parrot 101” where visitors can ask questions about and even hold some of the avian residents.

Walking into the snarls of leafy greenery is like walking into a plot of jungle, plopped right within a bustling city. Parrots greet you as you enter, some even with a polite “hello.” Their vibrant feathers stand out among the foliage that covers almost every space of the garden.

Once there, you’ll likely also meet Nancy Forrester, the soul behind this amazing hideaway. She is caring and one-of-a-kind. Her passion for the birds is inspiring. After getting to know her and the parrots she’s rescued from abuse and abandonment, you’ll leave with a twinkle in your eye.

Her bird sanctuary relies on donations to keep everything running. Before the garden moved into its current location, Nancy and her parrots lived on the last undeveloped acre in all of Key West. But, sadly, financial troubles forced her to downsize.

Know Before You Go

Entrance Fee: $10 for adults, $5 for kids (ages five to 11), free for younger kids. The entrance fees support the garden and help maintain/care for the birds.