Written by Julie Tomita, Animal Care Manager
At ZooTampa, we celebrate our birds on a daily basis however, 2018 is a very special year for birds! In 2018, we mark the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act which is the most powerful and important bird-protection law passed. The statute makes it unlawful without a waiver to pursue, hunt, take, capture, or sell birds listed therein as migratory birds. The statute also grants full protection to any bird parts including feathers, eggs, and nests.
In honor of this milestone, nature lovers around the world are joining forces to celebrate 2018 as the “Year of the Bird.” The Year of the Bird will celebrate the wonder of our feathered friends and provide an opportunity for people everywhere to recommit themselves to protecting birds today and for the next hundred years! Through 12 months of storytelling, science, and conservation, The Year of the Bird will examine how our changing environment is driving dramatic losses among bird species around the globe and highlight what we can do help reverse this negative trend.
To honor this year, ZooTampa at Lowry Park has started a special blog dedicated to highlighting birds at the Zoo and giving our guests ways in which they can make an impact on bird conservation locally, nationally, and globally.
Be sure to check back often for updates! Let’s make this an incredible year for the birds!
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