About Us
Our History
In 1998, while volunteering for dog and cat rescues and the county animal shelter, Jennifer Perez realized the need for a specialized parrot and exotic animal rescue so she began the informal start to the Cali_FID Parrot & Exotics Rescue Sanctuary.
Being a parrot owner herself, and having raised children who loved reptiles, Jennifer began taking in these beautiful creatures.
The name Cali_FID is shorthand for California Feathered Kids, and the term “FID” is the common nickname parrot owners have given their birds.
Since caring for any animal is a multi-person task, Jennifer sought out a local veterinarian who specializes in non-domestic animals and came across the door step of Turlock, California veterinarian Brandon Barrett, DVM. Dr. Barrett is a kind-hearted fellow who shares Jennifer’s passion and interest in exotic animals and the complexities of their care. Consequently, the two have become the “go-to” people for any exotics collected by local animal control officers in the surrounding area.
As time moved forward to the present, Cali_FID has become incorporated and received 501(c)(3) non-profit status from the federal government. Cali_FID was the first 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for exotic species rescue to open in the San Joaquin Valley.