Founded in 1997 by military veteran Ron Johnson, Feathered Friends Forever is an exotic bird rescue located on Byrd Drive in Harlem. For the past 22 years, the FFF team has made it their mission to “improve the lives of companion birds” by offering them a stable home and educating the general public about what it takes to maintain a good quality of life for these animals.
MORE: Feathered Friends Forever is More Than a Bird Rescue
The shelter is mostly run by volunteers, and they are always grateful to get more hands on deck. Haley Knight, former contributor for The Augusta Press, wrote a story about the shelter back in February. Read her story for more details. Information regarding volunteer opportunities and visiting the shelter can be found at https://featheredfriendsforever.org/.
Bio Pond
This pond provides fresh drinking water to the outdoor aviaries after going through an ingenious filtration process.
Aviary Containment Pond
One of the ponds found in each aviary. The water is then returned to the main pond, where the bird food that has found its way into the system feeds the koi living there and undergoes the filtration process again.
Outdoor Aviary
Pictured are two macaws that stay in one of the six outdoor aviaries. Birds are social creatures, so to allow them to live in a flock, outdoor aviaries were constructed.
Birdzilla
Also known as Shelby, Birdzilla is a permanent resident of FFF. She had a rough history before finding her home here. Prior to her tenancy, she hospitalized six people. To prevent her from being euthanized, FFF was more than willing to provide her a forever home.
Duke
Duke, a greater sulfur-crested cockatiel, eating a peanut. He likes to trick patrons and volunteers by telling them that he’s thirsty. In reality, it’s just a ploy for him to try and make an escape.
St. Julian Cox, III is a photojournalist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at saintjulianc@gmail.com.
