The Avicultural Society of Chicagoland (TASC) proudly presents the Fifth Annual Midwest Bird Expo on Saturday, April 25th at the Dupage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. The biggest all-inclusive, all-bird event of the year will be more exciting than ever and will include more vendors and bigger raffle prizes to date.

There will be various sessions and activities throughout the day: Well-respected vet Dr. Karen Shaw Becker will discuss animal nutrition, health and wellness, world-renown animal behaviorist Mick McAuliffee will assist pet owners with behavioral issues, Chris Davis aka “The Bird Lady” will explain the field of parrot psychology, and many more.

“This event has been wildly successful because there is something for everyone,” explains Jason J. Crean, President of TASC. “We have speakers, education booths, and many vendors with products for sale to the pet owner and bird breeder as well as events like the Wild Animal shows and the ‘Clay Lick’ climbing wall that anyone can enjoy. There is a great deal to see and enjoy for just about anyone.”

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the bird programs of Brookfield Zoo and Niabi Zoo, the Lyons Township High School Zoology Club, and a new conservation genetics lab for Dr. Jean Dubach, who ran the molecular genetics program at Brookfield Zoo. The genetics lab closed due to funding issues, which conducted genetic service work for zoos throughout the U.S. and supported a wide range of genetic technologies, such as DNA fingerprinting, sequencing, and genotyping.

Midwest Bird Expo will run from 9:30 AM until 4:00 PM at the fairgrounds located on 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton. All ages are welcome. There is a donation of $5 admission per person (certain events require addition fees) or a $30 All Access Pass pre-ordered online will allow you access to all the events. Door prizes will be available to the first 200 people.

TASC is a bird enthusiast group that promotes the education of improving the lives of birds as pets and in the wild. For more information, please visit www.tasc-chicago.org or www.midwestbirdexpo.com.