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Cast of Characters

and their accomplishments

Leaf Stem

What we believe ... 

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- Giving our animals the best life possible.

- Sharing the experience of animals, educating about species and native habitats, creating unique memories to last a lifetime.

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Founder, President and CEO

Joseph Carvalho

At age 5 Joe Carvalho received his first bird from his uncle. He named him Pepito and promptly taught him to ride on the handlebars of his bike.

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At age 22 Joe bought a car wash and later named it Bird Bath Car Wash (in Fremont, CA). In order to give the birds the attention they needed, Joe brought them to the car wash with him. On rainy days, when the car wash was closed, Joe would bring his birds to the local schools and charitable events to provide educational shows for the children.

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Later... Joe and Sheik, his cockatoo, appeared on The Gong Show and received three 10s. Shortly thereafter he received a phone call from Knott’s Berry Farm asking him to bring his birds to their park during the summer or 1979. During that summer a tragedy struck. A fire broke out near the birds’ housing, and all his birds were lost. The grief was too much, and he vowed to never have another bird. However... the children of one of the schools at which Joe had done rainy day educational shows, embarked on what they called, “Pennies for Polly”. They presented Joe with beautiful homemade cards and the money they collected on his behalf so he might be persuaded to obtain another feathered friend. The gesture was so touching that Joe decided to

put his grief aside and begin anew with renewed optimism for obtaining new feathered friends for life.

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He has been training birds (and other animal species)  ever since, and hasn't looked back. His love for, and relationship with, the birds and animals is truly a gift from God. His calling is to share these wonderful creatures with people who want to learn about them and experience first hand their grandeur.

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Andean Condor

Señor  Jefe

Señor Jefe can be seen flying over the American River in Northern California. He was donated to us from a zoo, so he could enjoy a short rehabilitation and finally a life of free flight. His magnificent 10 foot wingspan is the envy of the local turkey vultures.

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Our condors have educated and entertained at...

Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia

Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida

Cypress Gardens in Winterhaven, Florida

Gilroy Gardens in Gilroy, California

Jungle Island in Miami, Florida

Sea  World in Aurora, Ohio

Sea World in Orlando, Florida

Sea World in San Antonio, Texas

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And they've made special appearances on...

David Letterman

Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures

Jay Leno

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Vice President and COO

Stephanie Carvalho

Stephanie has a passion for animals, along with a desire to create memorable experiences for children, our treasured golden generations, military, first responders, and everyone who loves animals.

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A life with animals is too wonderful to keep to herself. Sharing is a vital part of who she is.

 

Her childhood experience of helping any animal who needed help transitioned in 1986 into working directly with animal husbandry, and later educational presentations at zoos and major theme parks, in the United States and internationally, with Carvalho's Friends of a Feather, Inc.

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Her experience with animals, their behaviors, and show production is a byproduct of the love she has  not only for birds, but all animals. She is in the constant pursuit of finding new ways to educate, and share knowledge and personal encounters with all their animals. 

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Double Wattled Cassowary

Mama Cass

Mama Cass is the matriarch of the family. She can be seen basking in the sprinklers or sunning and preening herself. Known as the deadliest bird species in the world, although Mama is a sweet girl and is the only trained cassowary in the United States. The cassowary is the closest living relative to the velociraptor dinosaur.

She stands approximately 6 feet tall.

She loves when guests come to see, feed and pet her.

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Mama Cass has educated and entertained at...

Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia

Jungle Island Miami, Florida

Port Aventura in Vila-Seca, Spain

Sea  World Aurora, Ohio

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She has made special appearances on...

David Letterman

Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures

Jay Leno

Live with Regis and Kelly

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SEE Mama Cass on the..

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Yellow Naped Amazon

Lolita

Lolita & Friends are some of the top talking and singing birds on the planet.

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Our amazons have educated and entertained at...

Busch Gardens in Norfolk, Virginia

Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida

Cypress Gardens in Winterhaven, Florida

Gilroy Gardens in Gilroy, California

Las Anguilas Del Tiede in Canary Islands, Spain

Jungle Island in Miami, Florida

Port Aventura in Vila-Seca, Spain

Sea  World in Aurora, Ohio

Sea World in Orlando, Florida

Sea World in San Antonio, Texas

Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pennsylvania

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And they've made special appearances on...

David Letterman

Good Morning America

Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures

Jay Leno

Larry King

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Chilean Flamingo

Pink, Floyd

The flamingos love to bask in the sun and play in the water.

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Our flamingos have educated and entertained at...

Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida

Jungle Island in Miami, Florida

Sea  World in Aurora, Ohio

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Harris Hawk

Birds of Prey

Eurasian Eagle Owl

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Marabou Stork

Edna

Edna & Friends enjoy catching the thermals and soaring over the American River. Standing 4 feet tall with a 10 foot wingspan she is a stunning beauty in her own right.

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Our marabou storks have educated and entertained at...

Busch Gardens in Norfolk, Virginia

Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida

Las Anguilas Del Tiede in Canary Islands, Spain

Jungle Island in Miami, Florida

Port Aventura in Vila-Seca, Spain

Sea  World in Aurora, Ohio

Sea World in Orlando, Florida

Sea World in San Antonio, Texas

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And they've made special appearances on...

Jay Leno

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Macaws

Blue & Gold, Blue-Throated,
Green Wing, Scarlet, and more

Our macaws enjoy free flying throughout the day. The sky and trees are their playground.

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Our macaws have educated and entertained at...

Busch Gardens in Norfolk, Virginia

Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida

Cypress Gardens in Winterhaven, Florida

Gilroy Gardens in Gilroy, California

Las Anguilas Del Tiede in Canary Islands, Spain

Jungle Island in Miami, Florida

Port Aventura in Vila-Seca, Spain

Sea  World in Aurora, Ohio

Sea World in Orlando, Florida

Sea World in San Antonio, Texas

Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pennsylvania

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And they've made special appearances on...

David Letterman

Good Morning America

Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures

Jay Leno

and much more!

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Leaf Stem

Our Animals' Crowning Accomplishments

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International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators 2001

Behavior Of The Year Award

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International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) 2008

Big E Awards - Best Edutainment Show Winner

"Critter Castaways" at Busch Gardens Tampa

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IAAPA 2015

Brass Ring Award - Live Edutainment Excellence - Best Performance Act Winner

"Opening Night Critters" at Busch Gardens Tampa

 

IAAPA 2017

Brass Ring Award - Live Edutainment Excellence - Best Performance Act Winner

"Dolphin Days" at Sea World Orlando 

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