Through our vet student programs, disaster relief efforts, parrot conservation grants, and donations to support wildlife and endangered species, we are dedicated to supporting wildlife, advancing veterinary care, and providing crucial aid in times of need.
The Lafeber Veterinary Medical Student Program promotes the growth of zoological medicine in veterinary schools by sponsoring exotic animal medicine clubs. Each year, Lafeber supports guest speakers and continuing education events coordinated by student representatives. The program also provides a discounted food program and an annual product credit to teaching hospitals to support patient care.
Since its inception in 2007, the Lafeber Veterinary Medical Student Program has provided approximately $268,215.85 to veterinary medical schools. This amount covers ALL funds given to participating institutions, including reimbursement for food purchased for sponsored educational events as well as student representative pay and college fees. This value does not include the many samples, products, and gift baskets that have been shared over the years.
Our sister brand EmerAid, a division of Lafeber, provides life-saving nutrition to debilitated animals. Wildlife centers in the U.S. can apply to receive a 50% discount on EmerAid products as well as account credits for written case studies.
Johannesburg: For our international efforts, $300 worth of EmerAid is donated to Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital each month to support the nutritional needs of these South African animal patients.
Belize Wildlife Clinic: For our international efforts, EmerAid donates an in-kind product contribution to Belize Wildlife Clinic each month, with an estimated retail value of $600, to support the nutritional needs of Central American wildlife patients. Wildlife centers in the U.S. may apply to receive a 50% professional discount on EmerAid products, as well as account credits for written case studies.
Lafeber Company is proud to continue its longstanding commitment to avian health and veterinary education through two recent charitable gifts to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. These contributions support innovative programs focused on improving care for both wild and companion birds. From hands-on training in raptor rehabilitation to groundbreaking research in parrot pain management, these projects are helping shape the future of avian medicine in meaningful and lasting ways. Learn more about the impact of these incredible initiatives below.
Lafeber has donated $14,000 to support veterinary student training in raptor medical and rehabilitative care at the California Raptor Center, helping to prepare the next generation of wildlife veterinarians.
Lafeber’s $11,000 charitable gift will help fund innovative research at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine that focuses on improving pain management for cockatiels.
Eaton Fire: During January 2025, several wildfires raged across Southern California. The Eaton fire decimated both urban and wild areas of neighbor cities Altadena and Pasadena, and it displaced and injured wildlife. Pasadena Humane animal shelter took in more than 300 animals. Lafeber donated nearly 50 bags of EmerAid Intensive Care and Sustain for Canine, Feline, and Herbivore, plus Intensive Care Carnivore to Pasadena Humane to help these injured and stressed animals get specialized nutrition for the best chance of recovery.
Animal Hoarding Case in Long Island: Following a tragic case of animal hoarding involving over 80 birds, Lafeber donated products to the SPCA in Long Island to assist in the care of the rescued birds, and our contributions helped support their recovery.
Hurricane Milton: In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton, Lafeber provided support through donations to two organizations, both endorsed by the American Federation of Aviculture. One was based in Florida and the other in North Carolina, ensuring that aid reached those in need without the logistical challenge of multiple smaller shipments. Additionally, we sent supplies to a disaster relief center in North Carolina, coordinated by the Humane Society, which included products suitable for small animals, rats, and even chickens.
Ukraine: Lafeber Company started a GoFundMe to raise money for exotic pet birds and their owners evacuating Ukraine. Lafeber matched all funds raised up to $3,000 by providing the two receiving parties with the equivalent value in Nutri-Berries.
Hurricane Ian: When a wildlife rehabilitation clinic was severely impacted, Lafeber stepped in to provide emergency aid. We donated Lafeber Parrot Food and our life-saving EmerAid formula, helping to nourish and stabilize affected birds during their recovery. In addition to this, Lafeber Parrot Food was donated to various rescues and sanctuaries throughout Florida. These organizations not only cared for displaced birds but also provided food to families who had been forced to seek foster care for their pets. While some of our donations were small, such as a couple of bags of food, they were deeply appreciated by those in immediate need.
Wildlife Sanctuary Fire: After a devastating fire at a wildlife sanctuary in Rhode Island, Lafeber stepped in to provide emergency aid. We donated Lafeber Parrot Food to support the surviving animals as the sanctuary began the recovery process. Despite the heartbreaking loss of many birds and animals in the fire, our contribution helped nourish those that were saved, offering some relief to the sanctuary and the community as they worked to rebuild and care for the animals in need.
Lafeber recognizes the urgent need to support wild parrot populations, as many species face significant challenges in their fight for survival and prosperity. As of December 2025, we’ve donated over $25,000 toward parrot conservation efforts across the world, and we continue to give $500 each month to support the protection and preservation of parrots and their habitats. As part of our mission, Lafeber is devoted to contributing to these critical efforts, understanding that wild parrots require our attention and assistance now more than ever. Each month, Lafeber Company demonstrates our commitment to supporting wild parrot populations by donating to a deserving organization through Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Grant.
Paradise Park in Cornwall, UK, is a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, including a newly arrived group of Lear’s Macaws (Anodorhynchus leari). Native to northeast Brazil, these rare blue macaws are threatened by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade, with fewer than 1,700 remaining in the wild. The macaws at Paradise Park were rescued from a closed aviary facility and now live in custom aviaries, making Paradise Park the only UK sanctuary to house this endangered species. In collaboration with the World Parrot Trust, the Park aims to support a breeding program that could eventually help reintroduce these majestic birds back into the wilds of Brazil. A previous Lafeber grant went to help support the breeding program of these rare Lear’s Macaws, with the goal of creating younger generations that can make their way back home.
African grey parrots are among the most heavily trafficked parrot species, and in Nigeria, they face an additional threat from habitat loss due to expanding palm oil plantations. Nigerian conservationist Ifeanyi Ezenwa is working to reconcile palm oil development with the habitat needs of endangered greys. In 2022, Ezenwa received a $15K grant from the Conservation Leadership Program to explore solutions, such as preserving land with high conservation value and finding ways for parrots and palm oil farmers to coexist. Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Grant previously supported Ezenwa’s crucial work, helping to ensure a sustainable future for African greys in Nigeria.