Parrots are not native to Georgia, but Michael Bautsch thinks Cherokee County may be the ideal place to build a massive sanctuary to help relieve what he calls a national parrot crisis – the abandonment and mistreatment of a high percentage of the nation’s approximately 40 million parrots.
A certified avian specialist, Bautsch founded the Georgia Aviary, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the colorful tropical birds and educating people about their capabilities and the misunderstandings that lead to mistreatment. His organization is in the early stages of a campaign to raise $100 million to $200 million for a facility, built on up to 500 acres. He thinks the aviary– with mesh-enclosed free-flying bird shelters – would attract 2 million visitors a year for tours and educational programs. Cherokee County is the preferred location, but Bartow County is also being considered, Bautsch says.
Although parrots thrive in the wild only in tropical and sub-tropical climates, Georgia’s winters are mild enough, Bautch says. “And we’re mostly immune to hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters, so this is kind of a sweet spot,” he adds…