New Partnerships Allow for Avian Conservation to Soar
Columbia, SC, February 15, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Matt Perron | 803.602.0840 | mperron@riverbanks.org
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has joined South Carolina Wildlife Federation, and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ (AZA) North American Songbird SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction® program to prevent one of the largest threats to migratory birds, collisions with glass. The AZA SAFE program awarded Riverbanks the North American Songbird SAFE grant to purchase CollidEscape, an external window vinyl that makes glass a visible barrier to birds yet allows the view from inside to remain unobstructed. “At Riverbanks, we’ve been tracking and mitigating bird collisions for ten years—our program continues to grow with this installation, which is our biggest and best yet,” says Colleen Lynch, Curator of Birds at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
Creating a barrier for birds to avoid the reflective surface will significantly decrease their attraction to windows. Hunter Balog, Conservation Project Manager at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, states, “As a conservation organization, we have a responsibility to educate our guests and the community on how we are impacting conservation, and how they can do the same.”
The Riverbanks Chapter of American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) assisted with the initial installation, placing the vinyl film on the window overlooking the Komodo dragon yard as well as restroom windows around the park. The latest CollidEscape placement is on a prominent window of Riverbanks’ Tuskers restaurant.
“Our hope is that other Columbia organizations will consider an installation of their own so we can collectively reduce songbird window collisions in the Midlands region,” added Jay Keck, Industry Habitat Manager at the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. “Throughout the years, the CollidEscape material installed at this location should save hundreds, if not thousands of our amazing birds. Birds have a unique way of connecting people to nature, so protecting them ensures that our relationship with our amazing planet will remain a healthy one.”
Preventing bird collisions is one of many ways Riverbanks engages in bird conservation. Another notable effort by Riverbanks, Ampersand, a Smithsonian Bird Friendly® certified brand of coffee is now served at the Zoo. Three-quarters of the world’s coffee production destroys critical bird habitats and uses harsh chemicals. Bird-friendly coffee plantations are organic farms that work to lower carbon production, fight climate change and help birds and other wildlife thrive. The coffee is farmed sustainably and fosters the growth of tree canopies to ensure a safe habitat for migratory and nesting birds.
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Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for five decades has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. For more information, visit riverbanks.org.
Thank you to the news outlets that have shared this exciting news!
WIS 10, article by Kevin Connaughton published Feb. 17, 2024.
Cola Daily, article by Tonya Page published Feb 18, 2024.
