Aviary for Neglected Birds Hosts Day of Fun and Learning
Enjoy a day of fun, food and entertainment to learn about and support the Garuda Aviary, a non-profit lifelong shelter for abused, neglected and abandoned companion birds. The event will take place on the grounds of Tibetan Buddhist Temple, Kunzang Palyul Choling (KPC) on Saturday, June 22, 2013 from 12 noon to 4:00pm.
A number of the colorful aviary birds will be on view in their outdoor flight cage for all to see, weather permitting. Talks focused on the plight of captured exotic birds will be presented.
Live entertainment will be presented by musical group “Crosswinds”, playing an eclectic mix of hits from the 60’s through today. This family friendly event will also feature children’s activities, and a variety of foods, including kid favorites such as hot dogs and a sampling of vegetarian and non-vegetarian entrees. There will also be a bake sale.
All proceeds will benefit the parrots and birds of the aviary. It takes an average of $19 per bird, per month to feed the birds their diet of fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts, in addition to medical and facility expenses.
The aviary was created by Spiritual Director of KPC Buddhist Temple , Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo, starting with one neglected Moluccan Cockatoo. Now, the aviary houses more than 55 birds, including several types of Macaws and Cockatoos, African Gray parrots, Amazon parrots and Conures.
Parrots have the social and intellectual development of a 2 to 5 year old child, and a potential lifespan of about 80 years or more. Because many people who purchase birds are ill-prepared for such a long, intensive commitment, parrots are often the subjects of mistreatment and neglect. To ensure that the cycle of suffering for the birds is broken, Garuda Aviary does not adopt out its parrots and instead provides a sanctuary until the end of their natural lives.
All are welcome to be a part of this fun and educational event. Admission is free. The location is 18400 River Road, Poolesville, MD 20837. For more information, contact [email protected], call 301-710-6259 or visit www.garudaaviary.org.