Relocation Project
A New Chapter in West Grand Rapids
Thanks to an extraordinary act of generosity, Albatross Aviary has been gifted a 12,800 square foot building on the west side of Grand Rapids—a permanent home that marks a defining turning point in our organization’s growth.
Even more remarkable than the building itself has been the response from the surrounding community. We have been welcomed with open arms—by neighbors, local businesses, and supporters who see the value in what we’re doing. It is clear that this community wants to be part of a movement to do better by birds, and we are honored to call this place home.
This new facility will allow us to:
Build large-scale, free-flight aviary habitats tailored to the needs of each bird
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Create a dedicated kitchen, sanitation space, and food storage area for daily care operations
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House educational spaces for workshops, community learning, and volunteer training
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Establish safe, accessible infrastructure for long-term organizational sustainability
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Expand our role as a hub for ethical aviculture, sanctuary collaboration, and avian welfare advocacy
We are deeply thankful for this opportunity—and we’re working tirelessly to make the most of it.
We Are Building Something Bigger—And We Can't Do It Alone
Right now, we are in the middle of the most significant transition in our organization’s history: relocating our entire sanctuary operation, including all equipment and furnishings, while simultaneously continuing round-the-clock care for the birds already in our care.
This is a high-stakes undertaking. Our team is small. Our work is complex. And our priority, always, is ensuring that the birds remain safe, healthy, and undisturbed during this time of change.
Because of the scope of this move and the renovations required, we are currently:
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Not accepting new birds into the sanctuary until essential habitats are rebuilt and
systems stabilized -
Not onboarding casual or general-interest volunteers at this time, including
socialization or public enrichment roles -
Focusing all of our current volunteer capacity on construction, logistics, and
foundational support
What we need right now are people who are ready to work—and who want to be part of something lasting.
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If you are a builder, designer, organizer, electrician, or tradesperson...
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If you have experience in animal care, nonprofit operations, or facility planning...
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If you’re serious about bird welfare, community development, or helping us lay the groundwork for something rare and permanent...
This is the moment to get involved.
We're not just asking for help—we're inviting you to become part of the foundation. We are building something new for the city of Grand Rapids and for the future of bird care in this country. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of a sanctuary from the ground up, now is the time.
Community Development & Outreach
We welcome support from local businesses, schools, organizations, and civic leaders interested in:
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Hosting fundraisers or sponsorship drives
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Donating time, skills, or materials
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Connecting us with others who want to be part of this vision
Financial Contributions
Every donation goes directly toward infrastructure, bird care, and the labor needed to get this
facility operational. If you’re not local but want to support our mission, your contribution is a
direct investment in long-term, ethical avian sanctuary work.
How You Can Support This Transition
We are currently seeking skilled, committed individuals and partners to help us complete this next stage of growth. Here’s how you can join us:
Construction & Design Support
Tradespeople, architects, DIYers, engineers, and handypeople—your time and talent directly impact animal welfare. We need assistance with:
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Building and modifying indoor aviary habitats
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Constructing cabinetry, shelving, and safe storage
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Retrofitting utility areas for sanitation, food prep, and secure cleaning stations
Material & Equipment Donations
We're actively sourcing:
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Lumber, hardware, and tools
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Utility fixtures (sinks, lights, electrical conduit)
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Commercial-grade food prep equipment and safe
storage containers -
Insulated panels, mesh, and materials for aviary
builds
A detailed priority list is available upon request.
This Is A Defining Moment
Albatross Aviary was built on grit, clarity of mission, and the deep belief that birds deserve better. This move is not just a relocation—it’s the evolution of everything we’ve fought for.
We are growing from a small, specialized operation into a community-driven facility with the potential to set new standards for avian care and advocacy. That transition comes with real
challenges—but also real hope.
We are not just renovating a building. We are building a future.
Thank you for your trust, your encouragement, and your willingness to help us get there.
