Help With a Zoo Bird Aviary

Birds from around the world are collected in an aviary. Some large aviaries feature birds-in-flight shows, bird educational programs and special bird events. The National Aviary houses many endangered or threatened birds from the wild. Located in Pittsburgh, it provides zoo members many opportunities to help the aviary as it teaches the importance of birds in the natural world.

  1. Internships

    • An example of how to help at a bird aviary is to sponsor a penguin renovation project, allowing visitors to view penguins underwater.

      Hands-on experiences within an aviary offer training that cannot be found elsewhere. Zoo aviaries often offer training in areas such as Marketing, Horticulture, Veterinary Hospital, Education, Animal Programs and Development. Check with a zoo near you about how you can help your zoo's aviary through an internship if you are considering a career in a related field. A zoo in your area may also have a link on their website which allows you to write in for more internship information.

    Sponsorships

    • Businesses or companies can sponsor aviary programs or shows.

      The National Aviary is the only nonprofit independent indoor zoo dedicated exclusively to birds in America, according to National Aviary online. Many wild endangered birds are included in the National Aviary's zoo. Like many zoo aviaries, they offer long and short-term sponsorship plans in order to provide an opportunity for others to help the aviary financially. Collected finances provide medical research, habitat provision and preservation, recreational experiences for the birds and bird breeding programs.

    Volunteer Opportunities

    • Aviary volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

      Volunteers must complete an orientation after filing an application to become an aviary volunteer. Volunteers will gain experience with birds, some that are even threatened and endangered, up close and personal, and zoo offices will offer training for all aviary volunteers. Each zoo has a specific hour requirement that a volunteer must meet. The National Aviary, for example, requires volunteers to commit to donating a minimum of four hours a week. Volunteers choose their own dedicated schedule to offer informal talks, give guided tours or explain animal bio-facts to aviary visitors.

    Special Events

    • Purchase bird toys in zoo souvenir shops to support the aviary.

      Become involved during special events to help raise money for your local zoo. The Springfield Parks Zoo in Springfield, Missouri holds an Easter Egg Roll, mimicking the one held on the White House Lawn each year. Activities abound all weekend at the zoo and volunteers can help in unique ways to promote the zoo. Various zoos feature events throughout the year where zoo members can help the aviary by serving sodas, water, snacks or other items throughout the event. Proceeds are donated to specific exhibits, which will help fund the aviary.