Birds are the second most dumped animals, according to Bob Courtwright of Feathered Friends Forever, a bird rescue and boarding facility in Harlem, Georgia.
The nonprofit is an all-volunteer run organization that is always in need of help and donations. Anyone is able to volunteer, according to Courtwright. Feathered Friends Forever was established in 1998 and has since rescued thousands of birds from across the nation. Volunteers range from children to seniors, and the organization accommodates for disabilities
One such bird is Shelby, a Miligold Macaw, from Alaska. She is a shy bird who is learning to trust people. Shelby was brought to the rescue after placing six people, including her owner and veterinarian, in the hospital.
After the birds, the most popular attraction is their education center. These a brightly colored buildings that teach children about nature. Teachers host interactive classes with iPads and crafts. A gold and semi-precious stone mining experience is available, too, at a $10 rate. Children may keep what they find.
The mining area is open every Saturday and Sunday at noon and 2 p.m.
For those who cannot travel to the rescue, an Educational Outreach program is available that consists of a PowerPoint-based virtual tour of the rescue, according to the organization’s website. Trained parrots attend these events as well to allow the audience to observe parrot behavior up close. For more information on the Educational Outreach program email birdrescueron@aol.com.
Feathered Friends Forever will hosts Open House events a few times a year. The next will be sometime in April, perhaps Earth Day, said Courtwright.
The organization is more than a rescue. It also boards birds for those on vacation and those on military deployment. Rates are based on a bird’s needs; however, military deployment boarding is free of charge, according to Courtwright.
Feathered Friends Forever is home to many other animals like the tortiose Mr. T, a honey-bee house, a reptile room and their BioPond that houses large koi. The BioPond has a refined particulate filtration system that supplies six of their aviary containment ponds with fresh, clean water, according to their website.
The facility is opened Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., if the weather permits. A group tour may be scheduled during the week.
Haley Knight is a contributor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at haley.knight@TheAugustaPRESS.com
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