Trunkline Magazine (Louisville Zoo) Trunkline Magazine: June 2016 | Page 17

“Any bird in need will have us there to help them.” – Joe Krathwohl, The Birdman® Letterman’s over-the-top reaction at help them.” coming face-to-face with Joe’s largJoe’s nonprofit, The Condor est condor. The Birdman especially Fund, operates its own Andean loves performing at The Ostrich condor breeding and release effort Festival in Chandler, Arizona. “The at great expense, but will also share birds draw so many people you a portion of this summer’s donacan’t see the huge lawn undertions with The Grand Canyon Conneath them. I call it our “Wooddor Cliffs facility operated by the stock” show. Over 2,000 people are Peregrine Fund and the Programa in the audience ,while my birds fly Conservacion del Condor Andino. overhead. It’s magical.” In addition to supporting these Joe has traveled the world in-situ (in natural habitat) efforts, creating free-flight bird shows for The Condor Fund utilizes its trained fairs, films, accredited zoos, parks, condors to spread the message of aquariums, Disneyland and even condor protection and conservathe White House. He says one of his tion wherever possible. “We focus favorite memories is hanging out on legislation and conservation with one of his breeding of rare bateleur eagles species to help and astronaut them survive Buzz Aldrin the destruction at the White of their natural House. He runs ranges.” Joe’s the largest Las Vegas Ranch Presented by portable bird show and bird sanctuin the world — ary is home to and the only show around 1,000 birds, featuring trained including his most condors and a tame dedicated project, the cassowary. He says there’s conservation-based breednothing like “being able to share ing of Andean condors to release the majesty and natural skills of the back into the wild. coolest animals ever… birds!” The Wings of the World Bird The best part about Joe’s shows Show is truly a treat to behold. Sit (other than getting to experience down for a 30-minute show and the rush of seeing these amazprepare to be captivated! You can ing, majestic birds) is knowing see the Birdman and his beautithat when you make a voluntary ful birds here at the Louisville Zoo donation during one of Joe’s shows through Labor Day free with Zoo (with a little encouragement from admission or membership. a bird), or you purchase a condorthemed item at the Zoo gift shop, 100% of proceeds go to condor conservation. “As long as we have a show operating,” says Joe, “any bird in need will have us there to Top: A cassowary Middle: Joe Krathwohl poses with his bateleur eagle Bottom: Birds transport conservation donations Louisville Zoo Trunkline • Summer 2016 • 17