Washington, D.C. — Today, Born Free USA, a global leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, announced a poetry contest for children ages 5 to 18, in conjunction with the 13th Annual National Bird Day (January 5, 2015). Submissions will be accepted beginning today through December 15, 2014, and the winning poems will be published on the Born Free USA and National Bird Day websites and in Born Free USA’s national magazine, Animal Issues Digest. [teaserbreak]
National Bird Day is when Born Free USA, in conjunction with Avian Welfare Coalition, focuses on issues critical to the protection and survival of captive and wild birds. The annual initiative features education and action to stop the international trade in wild birds, raise awareness about standards of care for birds who have been adopted as pets, and push for a deeper respect and understanding about the plight of all birds.
To participate in the poetry contest, children are encouraged to write a poem around the theme “Poetry Uncaged,” reflecting the plight of exotic birds in captivity, the pet bird trade, and the dangers to birds in the wild. Any idea inspired by exotic or wild birds is encouraged.
According to Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA, “Birds belong in the wild. It is very challenging to meet their needs in a home or any captive environment. They are highly intelligent, very social, flight-adapted animals and should not live life in a cage. We hope that the important annual reminder of National Bird Day helps people recognize their needs and encourage their freedom. Our poetry contest is a way to communicate this message to kids—future conservationists—and teach them about these amazing animals. We are looking forward to seeing and showcasing some beautiful poetry!”
Prizes will be awarded in two age groups: 5-12 years old and 13-18 years old. All submissions will be read by a distinguished panel of bird experts, animal welfare advocates, and published authors and journalists, who will choose the winners to be announced on National Bird Day, January 5, 2015. For a complete list of judges, click here.
To enter, send by mail to Born Free USA, 2300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 100B, Washington, D.C. 20007; fax to 202-450-3581; or email to NationalBirdDay@bornfreeusa.org, with the subject line “NBD Poetry Contest Submission.” Provide poet’s name, age, date, and contact information (school and teacher’s name, if part of a classroom exercise).
Prizes
First place winners in each age bracket will have their poems featured on the Born Free USA and National Bird Day websites, and published in Born Free USA’s national magazine, Animal Issues Digest. They will also receive a bird house, Born Free USA t-shirt (sizes subject to availability), hat, and age appropriate bird-related feature films on DVD.
Second place winners will have their poems featured on the Born Free USA and National Bird Day websites, and will receive a bird house, Born Free USA t-shirt (sizes subject to availability), and hat.
Third place winners will have their poems featured on the Born Free USA and National Bird Day websites, and will receive a Born Free USA t-shirt (sizes subject to availability).
Born Free USA is a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation, and public education, Born Free USA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to North America the message of “compassionate conservation” — the vision of the United Kingdom-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film Born Free, along with their son, Will Travers. Born Free USA’s mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally. More at www.bornfreeusa.org, www.twitter.com/bornfreeusa, and www.facebook.com/bornfreeusa.
Media Contact: Rodi Rosensweig, 203/270-8929, therodicompany@gmail.com