BELLE FOURCHE -- A parrot sanctuary at Belle Fourche could get as many as 70 birds following animal rescues in Colorado.

Officials at the exotic bird shelter are asking the public to help by contributing funds for medical expenses and extended care for the birds which law enforcement authorities confiscated in animal abuse cases.

Greg Poulain, co-owner of the Black Hills Parrot Welfare and Education Center in Belle Fourche, said they have incurred large veterinarian bills for some of the 40 birds at the shelter and are looking for donations to help care for the additional rescued birds.

“We’ll have increased expenses in feeding,” Poulain said. “And we need more enrichment toys to keep them balanced mentally.”

Once they are assessed for behavior and diet issues, they will go up for adoption, Poulain said.

Poulain said Monday that overcrowding from several confiscations in Colorado -– including 40 birds in the Pueblo area -- means dozens of the talkative birds could be headed for the Hills.

Poulain said the center will need medium and large bird cages, monetary and in-kind donations, bird enrichment toys and private or corporate sponsors to help with the cost of food, veterinary care and utility costs. All donations are tax deductible.