The Exotic Animal Foundation

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!

Wildfires are once again affecting communities across the country.

When disasters strike, it's not only people who are displaced. Companion birds, aviaries, sanctuaries, breeders, and even native wildlife can all be impacted.

Many people don't realize that the American Federation of Aviculture (AFA) has a Disaster Relief Program dedicated to helping birds and the people who care for them during times of crisis.

Whether it's connecting those in need with resources, coordinating assistance, or supporting recovery efforts, we're committed to helping whenever we're able.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the current wildfires, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Together, we can help ensure that no bird is forgotten.

As we get closer to the AFA Conference, I have to admit I'm feeling both incredibly excited... and a little anxious.

This year we're trying several new things, and whenever you try to move an organization forward, there's always that little voice wondering, "I hope everyone likes it."

One thing I'm especially excited about is our new *Aviculture Stories Booth* (still looking for the perfect name!). We've created a dedicated space with professional lighting, a beautiful backdrop, and a recording setup where anyone can share why aviculture is important to them and how birds have enriched their lives. Those stories won't just become cherished memories—they'll also help us educate the public, advocate for responsible aviculture, and defend our community when it's needed most.

We're also taking a big step forward with our educational sessions. Every speaker room will have monitors that allow our virtual attendees to participate more naturally by asking questions and joining discussions. Instead of feeling like a tiny Zoom window tucked away in the corner, remote participants will become a much more visible part of the conversation. We'll even be able to welcome presenters from around the world without them having to travel.

Behind the scenes, our new AFA website is really starting to come together, and we're hoping to launch it shortly after the conference. The new site will make it easier than ever to join or renew your membership, register for events, watch conference streams, make donations, find clubs and resources, and stay connected with everything happening at AFA. It's been a huge project, and I can't wait for everyone to see it.

I'm also excited to share that we've completely updated the AFA Legislative Handbook. It will be available in both printed and digital formats, giving members a valuable resource to help understand legislative issues affecting aviculture and become stronger advocates for our birds.

There's a tremendous amount of work happening behind the scenes, made possible by an amazing team of volunteers who care deeply about the future of aviculture.

I sincerely hope you'll enjoy these new additions as much as we've enjoyed creating them. Here's to trying new ideas, learning as we go, and continuing to make AFA even stronger.

See you at the conference!