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Friends of the Kori SSP
Friends of the Kori SSP - Club
What is the Kori SSP: A breeding program for the kori bustard (Ardeotis kori) in the United States is managed under the auspices of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums as a Species Survival Plan (SSP) species. The United States SSP captive breeding program for kori bustards aims to maintain populations that are genetically and demographically self-sustaining without relying on continued imports from the wild. In captivity, breeding is currently limited to a few prolific individuals and a greater understanding of the behavioral repertoire of reproductive and non-reproductive individuals is needed. The precise descriptions of kori bustard behaviors can provide a standard that can be used for systematic and quantitative study of kori bustard behavior, both in the wild and in captivity. A greater understanding of kori bustard behavior can help improve breeding success of captive birds and aid future conservation efforts.
Their effort to meet their original goals really does not including saving important feathers for fly tiers. Any thing they do for us is simply out of their good will, generosity and overall understanding of how detrimental a “Kori Black Market” is to their goals.
That said, we as Kori recipients/fly tyers need to step up and reciprocate a little better than we have. Our contributions in $ is sorely lacking compared to the money we no longer have to spend to get quality Speckled Bustard. I am well aware of the ridiculous prices once demanded (and still sought in some cases) and now the same feathers are free. I give away, on a regular basis, feathers that were worth up to $350 each (in pairs if I can) to tiers simply asking at the right time. When I have the extra good stuff I give it away just like any of the other feathers except I try to spread them around as much as I can. I don’t have a select group that I give only the best to unless you include anyone that ties extra large salmon flies.
In the five years of collecting donations, during which time I distributed for free at least what I would guess to be a good college education (tuition, room & board, etc.) worth of feathers. To date we have basically given back enough for them to buy a small satellite transmitter and fund a “Poop Study” (refer to Update 2010). Frankly I’m embarrassed. To stave off my future embarrassment I am now asking you to contribute at least $25 to the Friends Of the National Zoo – Kori SSP Fund. This has changed. Checks now must be made out to Zoo Atlanta with Kori Bustard # 0574 in the memo section That is the initiation into the club I’ve just formed. You send me a check MADE OUT TO Zoo Atlanta. Memo section should say Kori bustard # 0574 . I DO NOT WANT YOUR DONATIONS MADE OUT TO ME! Zoo Atlanta is a non-profit organization that allows your donations to be tax deductible. I am not. It is a method to raise funds not a scheme to enrich me. You do not have to belong to the club to receive Free Kori Bustard feathers its just that club members will get first choice of the really primo stuff. There are plenty of feathers available for 3/0-4/0 and smaller as well as lots of miscellaneous feathers that have many fly tying applications but the really big paddle like singles and pairs will go to club members.
To become a club member you need to send me a check or money order as described above. If you simply want some fly tying feathers you can forward me $7 to cover postage etc. Please bare in mind the donation and postage must be separate. You can use PayPal for the postage but not the donation. You can send two checks, one for donation to FONZ and one for postage made out to me John McLain or FeathersMc. I will usually include some (providing I have it) with any domestic order as you already have a box coming. You just can't expect me to pay your postage for you if all you want is Free Kori.
Please contact me before sending any postage just to make sure I can accommodate your needs.
Thank you once again and be advised I really didn't want to do it this way it's just I'm afraid some of us haven't been as generous as we need be. I do want you to know that the flies I receive and pass along are appreciated by all but it is $ that offers real help.
Contact Information:
John McLain
9145 Sandy Ridge Dr
White Lake MI 48386-2052
248-432-1568