Free Flight is a unique exotic bird sanctuary
Our mission is to maintain a sanctuary that shelters, nurtures and re-socializes parrots, while educating the public to inspire a lasting concern for the well being of exotic birds.
Vision, Goals, and Values
Free Flight strives to be the preeminent sanctuary and community resource for the promotion and understanding of exotic birds and the human-animal bond.
Our goals are to re-socialize and rehome companion parrots and to educate the public about their complex mental, physical and emotional needs. We offer permanent sanctuary or rehoming depending upon what is in the best interest of each bird.
We value integrity in all of our dealings with people and their companion birds.
located in Del Mar, California
2132 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar, CA 92014
Open by reservation only
First Reservation @ 11am
Last Reservation @ 3pm
Closing Time 4pm
Please Note The Following:
You MUST have a reservation to visit.
We recommend booking your time-slot at least 2-3 days in advance especially if you hope to visit on a weekend or during a school holiday.
We recommend checking the weather. We may need to close at the last minute and/or call to cancel or reschedule your visit if the weather is too cold/wet/windy for the birds to go outside.
Check out our FAQs here.
Our Programs:
Our Dedicated Staff Members
All of our staff are trained avian specialists and passionate educators.
Our History
Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary
Established in 1981 as a boarding and breeding facility, Free Flight has evolved into a one of a kind exotic bird sanctuary where parrots and people connect. It was benefactor Dr. Robert F. Stonebreaker's vision to create a sanctuary for exotic companion birds that would provide a special and unique environment to raise community awareness and to encourage positive interaction with these birds. Contributing to our tropical ambience, the large pond with our friendly and beautiful koi was originally home to rescued flamingos who have since been successfully re-homed.
Free Flight became a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit in March of 2009. Less than a year later, we suffered a tremendous loss when Dr. Stonebreaker passed away suddenly. This tragedy inspired clients, colleagues, employees and family to be more determined than ever to continue to pursue his passion for all species of exotic birds.
Many parrots in need have come to Free Flight and we have found them great new homes or offered them permanent sanctuary. We have thrived through grants, donations, memberships, programs and public and volunteer support.
Dr. Robert F. Stonebreaker with Abby and Theo
“We never miss the music until the sweet voiced bird has flown away. ”
Our Valued Board of Directors
“Did you Know?
Parrots in the wild exist in complex ecological and social environments. Because companion parrots are only 1 or 2 generations out of the wild, we must recreate these experiences for them in captivity.”