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ABOUT US...
 The
Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology (WFVZ) is a 501(c)(3),
tax exempt, non-profit research institution. Our mission is
to obtain, protect, and manage ornithological collections in
a manner that ensures their continued survival and accessibility
to researchers, educators, students,
and the public.
The collections of the WFVZ are composed of more than 190,000 sets
of bird eggs representing approximately 4,000 species; more than
18,000 nests; more than 54,000 bird study skins; and a library of
over 8,000 books and monographs on birds and natural history. The
library also houses more than 400 bird and natural history journal
series, and a large collection of field notes of collectors and
scientists.
Founded in 1956 by Ed N. Harrison and four other prominent southern
California naturalists, the WFVZ hosts one of the world’s
most comprehensive collections of bird-related materials, specializing
in eggs and nests. With a 22,000 square-foot facility based in Camarillo,
California, the Foundation is internationally respected as a repository
for ornithological specimens, and is treasured by those who visit
it.
Our Goals
The fundamental goals of the Foundation are to:
• acquire, integrate, and preserve ornithological collections;
• provide data to avian researchers, educators, and scientific
artists around the world;
• educate the public through tours, classes, and material
loans;
• conduct original research on birds;
• publish findings that reflect the WFVZ’s goals, programs,
and activities; and,
• promote the conservation of birds and natural resources.
The WFVZ has contributed information to thousands of research projects
since our inception. Our resources often play key roles in understanding
diverse topics such as avian systematics and evolution; the effects
of environmental contamination (e.g., eggshell thinning); and changes
in bird numbers, distributions, and habitat use.
Today the Western Foundation expands upon its
legacy of promoting the science of natural history, and ensures
accessibility by scientists, educators, and students to its
collections and databases through four
primary programs:
Specimen Acquisition,
Education, Information-Sharing, King
Rail (Rallus elegans)
and Field Research (see Our Programs).
How are we funded?
The Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology is
a private, non-profit institution. Thus, we are not supported by
the state or a University. Instead, we rely on charitable donations
and gifts from individuals and corporations, and grants and contracts
for specific research projects. We also have a membership program,
through which individuals and families can partner with us. If you
like our mission, programs, and beautiful facility, we hope you
will consider making a donation so we can continue expanding our
services! All donations are tax-deductible.
For more information on our programs, or to become
a Member or Volunteer, please contact us by email
or phone (805-388-9944). Thank you for your interest!
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