CLASSES & CONFERENCES

	EDUCATION The Gabriel Foundation works with local, regional and national school districts, community colleges, veterinary technician programs and university veterinary programs. For example, TGF staff has participated in the avian care segment of the exotics program to the highly regarded certified veterinary technician programs at Colorado Mountain College, and the Bel-Ray Technical Institute, as well as to other national accredited animal technician programs. TGF staff have presented bi-annually to the Colorado Association of Animal Control Officers and to other interested humane organizations. Julie Murad has presented at the annual conferences of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, and to many veterinary school programs nationwide with an avian and exotics program on non-medical issues often overlooked in medical practices. TOTAL BIRD HEALTH SEMINARS Avian Medicine & Emergency Preparedness 5/15 9am - noon Caging, Husbandry, Household Hazards & Grooming 5/15 1pm - 4pm Toy Making & Enrichment Ideas for Your Bird 6/12 10am - 1:30pm Visit our Events Calendar for more information and to register.   BEYOND THE BIRD BASICS This comprehensive class is a requirement for all adopters and beneficial for anyone interested in caring for a bird.  Whether you are a long time bird caregiver or new to feathered companionship, you will learn the most up to date information on diet and nutrition, husbandry, species differences, grooming, medical care and behavior.  Online classes start anytime. Registration is required. You will need a Yahoo ID for this class.  The cost is $45 for non-members, $30 for TGF Members and $15 for those with an active adoption application. To register, call 303.629.5900 x 215 or email education@thegabrielfoundation.org Click here for a printable registration form: Beyond Birdie Basics Online2009
	LECTURES TGF staff or volunteer liaisons generally lecture on bird care and related issues at least twice a month off premises. Foundation staff or liaisons lecture several times weekly to numerous school visitors on site and at the educational facility, providing tremendous resource information to children of all ages, veterinary technicians and interns, pre-veterinary and veterinary students, as well as to other animal welfare organizations, hobbyists, breeders and newly interested persons, potential adopters and the simply curious.
	SYMPOSIUMS AND CONFERENCES TGF has hosted the “Parrots in the New Millennium” symposium which is attended by people worldwide who are interested in learning about parrot conservation, welfare, avicultural, veterinary, legal, estate planning and ethical issues. In addition, ourstaff participates in and attends national and international conferences and maintains affiliations with organizations which focus on parrots and related animal welfare, husbandry, education or veterinary topics. National Continuing Education credits are offered at most of the TGF ’s symposium and conference events. TGF holds other educational programs, fundraisers and benefits such as the Psummer Psittacine Pscelebration, Art Affair Extraordinaire, Kids ‘n Kritters, and Parrots in Paradise that underscore the parrot welfare cause. Volunteer liaisons hold local promotional and educational events to provide this information on a national level. Many national bird clubs request permission to use our original material in their newsletters and provide copies of our educational material to their members at large. Our founder, Julie Murad, and other staff are frequently present at avicultural venues, pet store and bird club events.