For conservation – Birmingham Zoo brings back the Easter Ostrich Egg Auction (photos)

Monkeys and robots. Running ostriches. A hatching bunny. A green beetle.

These are just a few of the fun and beautifully hand painted, and in a couple of cases “sculpted” Easter Ostrich Eggs, by local Birmingham and regional artists, that are being auctioned off this week by the Birmingham Zoo to benefit conservation efforts.

The Birmingham Zoo held its first artist designed Ostrich Egg Auction many years ago in 2003.  This year, the Ostrich Egg Auction is back as part of the Zoo’s Eggstravaganza Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 15.

“I can remember that we had 10 eggs painted and decorated by local artists to raise funds for our education department,” says Vice President of Development, Karen Carroll.

“Back then, we had them in baskets and they were not available online, so you had to be there in person to win!. This year, anyone can bid on the eggs online, and it has already raised $1,000 for the Zoo’s conservation initiatives,” Carroll added.

The auction, which ends online on April 15th, supports several of the Zoo’s conservation efforts. They include:

• The Birmingham Zoo’s Passion into Conservation Action (PICA) Program, which allows employees to submit conservation research projects that are funded by the Zoo. These projects support the Zoo’s conservation initiatives. After the applications are reviewed and narrowed down through a selection process, individuals are awarded grants to fund their chosen projects
• Giraffe Conservation Foundation – This organization works to protect and conserve the existing giraffe habitats and is currently conducting the first ever giraffe conservation status assessment in Namibia, Africa

• 96 Elephants Campaign – Ninety-six elephants are killed in Africa EVERY DAY for their ivory. This campaign seeks to stop the illegal trade of ivory, and in doing so conserving these magnificent animals.
• Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International – Both eastern mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Grauer’s gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo are classified as critically endangered. This organization relies on more than 100 gorilla trackers to carry out its mission is to monitor and protect the remaining gorilla populations.”

“The Birmingham Zoo is committed to conservation,” says Chris Pfefferkorn, Senior Vice President. He adds, “Proceeds from this ostrich egg auction will benefit the Zoo’s conservation efforts like the Birmingham Zoo’s Passion into Conservation Action Program, as well as supporting conservation efforts locally and globally.”

The hand-sized ostrich eggs are on display at the Zoo’s membership office near the front entrance.  The auction is a great way to celebrate Easter, the arts and most importantly support important conservation programs, locally and globally.

Below are pictures of the remaining Easter ostrich eggs to be auctioned off.  Place your bids via the Birmingham Zoo website today.