Calling All Artists!

The Virginia Zoo is looking for a few volunteer artists as part of a third-year program to help reduce the risk of birds flying into animal exhibit windows.

“Conservation can be fun. This is a great way to engage local artists and help prevent bird strikes during the busy migration season,” comments Greg Bockheim, the Zoo’s Executive Director. This inspiring presentation is not only beautiful, but has reduced the amount of bird strikes at the Zoo by 66%.”

From September through November is the height of the migratory season for yellow-rumped warblers. The bird tape makes the glass more visible to the birds reducing the risk of them flying into the class. This creative solution raises awareness of this threat to the birds.

As in past years, the Zoo plans to use bird tape spaced 2-inches apart vertically and 4-inches apart horizontally. Volunteer artists can showcase their talent by creating engaging designs using this medium and help protect local birds at the same time. Potential volunteer artists should send their contact information and a brief resume or bio to [email protected] by Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015 to apply.

The Virginia Zoo has been working with the American Bird Conservancy since 2013 to study how different patterns of bird tape can affect bird strikes on large windows. More about bird tape can be found at www.abcbirdtape.org.

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