The Exotic Animal Foundation

THE WORK BEHIND THE WINGS
The Real Work of Aviculture

Sometimes the work behind healthy birds means making sure they can safely get the care they need.

In one of these photos, a flamingo is being examined by a veterinarian. In the other, she is safely positioned in a carrier for transportation to the veterinary clinic.

Veterinary care does not begin when an exam starts. Transporting a bird safely, reducing the chance of injury, preparing an appropriate carrier, coordinating care, and handling the bird properly are all part of the process.

For larger or more specialized species, even a routine veterinary visit can take planning, teamwork, experience, and a lot of hands-on effort.

This is another side of aviculture that people do not always see the preparation and responsibility that happen behind the scenes to keep birds healthy and safe.

Behind healthy birds is really hard work.

Have a photo that shows the work behind your birds? Send it to [email protected]

Show us the work behind the wings.

Can’t make it to the World Parrot Expo in person? Join us LIVE!

Virtual access to the 2026 World Parrot Expo lets you watch the featured speaker presentations live from wherever you are and if you miss a session, you can come back and watch it on-demand for up to one year.

Watch live or later
Join from anywhere
Full program and speaker schedule available online
Use the email address from your purchase to log in

Get the live streams here:
https://www.flightclubfoundation.org/stream

View the Expo program:
https://www.flightclubfoundation.org/expoprogram

We hope you’ll join us virtually for a great lineup of speakers, education, and all things parrots at the World Parrot Expo!

A thank you for the thank you!

What a wonderful surprise to receive this card from Bears Etc. after Robin, Georgia, and Keriellen visited during the Rescue Rockstar Tour 2026.

Seeing all of the handwritten messages from the staff and volunteers meant so much to us. But truly, we’re the ones who should be saying thank you for welcoming the tour, sharing your work with us, and most importantly, for everything you do every day for the animals who depend on you.

One of the best parts of the Rescue Rockstar Tour is getting to see the people behind rescue organizations and seeing firsthand the dedication, compassion, and hard work that goes into giving animals a better life.

Thank you, Bears Etc., for the incredibly thoughtful card and for being part of our 2026 journey. We’re grateful we had the opportunity to see what you are all about, learn more about your work, and help support your mission.

From all of us at The Exotic Animal Foundation thank YOU for being Rescue Rockstars! 🐻❤️

Can’t make it to the World Parrot Expo in person? Join us virtually with World Parrot TV!

For just $50, you’ll receive 12 months of access to the 2026 World Parrot TV programming, giving you the opportunity to watch and revisit presentations from the World Parrot Expo’s featured speakers from wherever you are.

The 2026 featured speaker lineup brings together experts covering parrot behavior, training, veterinary care, conservation, advocacy, and aviculture, including:

Ari Bailey — Natural Encounters, Inc.
“To Fly or Not To Fly, That is the Question” and “Parrot Problems are Parrot Opportunities”

Lisa A. Bono — The Platinum Parrot
“More Than Words: Turning Behavior into Conversation”

David Garcia — USARK / USAVIA
“Advocacy: How to Fight for Birds in Our Lives”

Jafét Valentín — Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program
“25 Years Dedicated to the Recovery of an Underdog: The Case of the Puerto Rican Parrot”

Dr. E.V. Voltura, PhD — Texas A&M University
“Birdie Basics — The Parrots’ Project”

Melody Hennigh, CVT — Busy Beaks Academy
Medical Training Workshop

Plus Debbie Goodrich and the Performing Parrots, appearing live during World Parrot Expo.

World Parrot TV is designed to bring the Expo experience to viewers who can’t be there in person and the Featured Speaker Series is interactive, with virtual participants encouraged to ask questions from home.

World Parrot TV — $50 for 12 months of access Watch from home, learn from some of the leading voices in the parrot community, and return to the presentations throughout the year.

Purchase World Parrot TV:
https://www.flightclubfoundation.org/stream

Meet the 2026 Featured Speakers:
https://www.flightclubfoundation.org/featured-speakers

World Parrot Expo • September 26–27, 2026 • Auburn, Washington

Kind words like these mean so much.

During the Rockstar Rescue Tour, The Exotic Animal Foundation had the honor of supporting and connecting Robin Shewokis Sullivan , Keriellen Lohrman and Georgia Hayes with incredible rescue organizations making a real difference for parrots in need.

We were so touched to receive this heartfelt handwritten thank-you from Rainbow Parrot Rescue Florida. Their kindness and the sweet personal touches truly made our day.

We are proud that, through the Rockstar Rescue Tour, we can help shine a light on rescues doing important work every single day. Thank you, Rainbow Parrot Rescue Florida, for all you do for the birds in your care, and thank you for this thoughtful note.

Please help us celebrate the amazing work of Rainbow Parrot Rescue Florida and the mission of the Rockstar Rescue Tour.

A huge THANK YOU to Stay Prickly Design Co. for creating and gifting these beautiful custom luggage tags! 🧳❤️

These were made as a special thank-you for some of the incredible people and businesses who helped us get our equipment out to St. Louis, Missouri. We are so grateful for the support, generosity, and willingness to step up when we needed it.

Huge thank-yous to Harrison's Bird Foods, April Blazich, The Leather Elves, and Melanie Mouse for helping make it happen! Your support truly means so much to us and to the animals we serve.

And once again, thank you to Stay Prickle Design Co. for turning our appreciation into such a beautiful keepsake. We absolutely love them! 🐾💚

🦜 **Why is aviculture important to you?**

Stop by our self-service video booth and share your story! Record a short message about the role birds and aviculture play in your life—whether it is the joy they bring, the conservation work they inspire, the friendships they create, or the responsibility we share to protect their future.

Many legislators and members of the public do not fully understand the passion, dedication, and knowledge within the avicultural community. Your voice can help change that.

🎥 Step up to the booth
🗣️ Tell us why birds matter to you
📣 Help us share the importance of aviculture with those who need to hear it

Every story makes our collective voice stronger. Don’t leave without adding yours!