by David King
The Feathered Follies Foundation, a newly established nonprofit in Concord, is on a mission to promote the care, safety, and understanding of birds—both domestic and wild. Founded by Mercedes Kemp, the organization was inspired by a dramatic event last fall when two birds were stolen from her business, Feathered Follies. The incident drew widespread media attention and generous offers from the public to fund a reward for the birds’ return. That outpouring of support sparked the idea of creating a nonprofit dedicated to avian welfare.
With the help of an attorney, the Feathered Follies Foundation officially launched a few months after the theft. As a nonprofit, the organization now has access to volunteers and can pursue a broader, community-based mission. “As a business, we couldn’t have volunteers,” Mercedes explained. “Now people who want to learn about birds and get hands-on experience finally can.”
The Foundation’s mission focuses on three pillars: education, conservation, and rescue/rehoming/rehabilitation. Education is key, Mercedes says, noting that birds are one of the most misunderstood species. Their website will serve as a hub for trustworthy resources—videos, documents, blogs, and classes—all aimed at helping the public better understand avian needs. “Petco and PetSmart don’t teach you these things,” she added.
Currently, most of their work centers on parrots, but plans are in place to expand into care for native wildlife. Volunteers are trained in proper bird care, from identifying signs of illness to understanding nutrition and cleaning procedures. They also engage in basic behavioral training to help socialize young birds. “Birds are super social and friendly. They want to be part of what’s going on. That socialization helps keep them happy and well-adjusted,” Mercedes said.
For those interested in volunteering, the Foundation encourages potential helpers to fill out a “contact us” form online, sharing their background and interest.
Looking ahead, the Foundation hopes to establish a bird sanctuary in Concord and possibly a zoological facility to support both conservation and education. The rescue and rehabilitation component is especially urgent, Mercedes notes, as there are always birds in need of safe, supportive environments.
The Feathered Follies Foundation is already making an impact—offering care, connection, and hope to birds and bird lovers alike.
featheredfolliesfoundation.org