CORONAVIRUS: STRONGER TOGETHER

Local Business Helping Tracy Aviary Stay Afloat During Coronavirus Closure

Apr 6, 2020, 7:05 PM | Updated: 8:46 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A local business has donated tens of thousands of dollars to help the Tracy Aviary survive the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aviary has been around for more than 80 years. However, like many small businesses and non-profits across Utah, they were closed due to coronavirus concerns.

“We’re a jewel,” said Tracy Aviary Director Tim Brown. “There’s nothing like Tracy Aviary in the world so this is a really important part of what Salt Lake.”

Nestled inside Liberty Park in downtown Salt Lake City, Tracy Aviary is home to more than 400 birds.

About three weeks ago, due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, Brown had to close the doors.

“Well, it’s a gorgeous day,” Brown said. “This is probably the best day we’ve had this year and as you see we don’t have a visitor in here.”

Normally thousands of families would be walking the paths inside the aviary on a warm day in April. Now, it’s just the feathered residents waddling around.

“In modern times we’ve never had something like this,” Brown said, referring to the closure.

With no admission sales or membership revenue coming in, Brown worried how they will all stay afloat.

“The birds can’t survive on their own,” he said. “We can’t just close the door and walk away from this obviously.”

Enter Jared Turner, a self-professed bird lover who in another life may have ended up as a zookeeper.

“Yes, everyone was surprised when I became a lawyer and then a business guy,” Turner said.

Turner is the president of Young Living Essential Oils. Lately, he had been thinking about his childhood.

“I came (here) when I was probably four or five years old and that’s my oldest memory of the aviary,” Turner said. “My great grandmother Sandberg lived just down the road from here.”

Although Grandma Sandberg is no longer around, Turner was determined the aviary always will be.

“I’m one of those kids who was impacted as a little kid and the rest of my life I’ve been a huge lover of wildlife,” Turner said.

Young Living has pledged $55,000 to help Tracy Aviary weather the storm.

“We’re so lucky (Turner) fell in love with the aviary,” Brown said. “I wish I could take credit for that but I don’t want to be that old.”

One day, daily life will return to normal, and with that hopefully flocks of visitors.

“The day this virus goes away, we can open doors again in all these amazing places and say come back,” Turner said.

Turner is challenging others to also donate to the aviary. He’s pledged a matching donation of $25,000 more. If you’d like to help, visit www.TracyAviary.org.

KSL 5 TV Live

Coronavirus: Stronger Together

This photo provided by Pfizer in September 2023 shows single-dose vials of the company's updated CO...

Lauran Neergaard, AP Medical Writer

US approves updated COVID vaccines to rev up protection this fall

U.S. regulators have approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, shots aimed at revving up protection this fall and winter.

7 months ago

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 09: A pharmacist prepares to administer  COVID-19 vaccine booster sho...

Jed Boal

University Health recommends getting omicron booster and flu shot now

The CDC approved the COVID-19 bivalent boosters that target the most recent omicron variants on September 1. Since then, tens of thousands of Utahns have rolled up their sleeves.

2 years ago

Only 50% of Utans are vaccinated and cases are surging because of the Omicron variant BA.5. FILE PH...

Jed Boal

BA.5 variant driving new surge of Utah COVID-19 cases

President Joe Biden’s positive Covid case Thursday was a sober reminder that Utah is not done fending off COVID-19 in many communities.

2 years ago

Utah COVID testing site. Getty images...

Cary J. Schwanitz, KSL TV

New mobile COVID-19 testing sites open in Utah

With the summer travel season underway and a steady stream of people still testing positive for COVID-19, Nomi Health opened several mobile testing sites across Utah.

2 years ago

The lawn of Timpanogos Regional Hospital was adorned with flags to honor the lives lost to COVID-19...

Ashley Moser, KSL TV

Hospital ceremony honors survivors, healthcare heroes as U.S. hits one million COVID-19 deaths

The lawn of Timpanogos Regional Hospital was adorned with flags to honor the lives lost to COVID-19, those who survived it, and the caregivers and healthcare workers who cared for the sick.

2 years ago

...

Debbie Worthen, KSL TV

Utah County couple gives Minky Couture blankets to medical team at Utah Valley Hospital

Russell Greene doesn't call himself a COVID-19 survivor, he calls himself a COVID-19 miracle. His family thanked medical workers for saving his life.

2 years ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Local Business Helping Tracy Aviary Stay Afloat During Coronavirus Closure