The Garuda Aviary was founded in 1998 to help abused, neglected, or abandoned parrots. Its focus is on desperate cases where birds have become "unadoptable" due to past mistreatment or abuse, and birds taken into the sanctuary have a life-long home. The Aviary aims to educate the public on the exotic bird trade that takes parrots from their natural habitat. It is open to visitors in good weather, where people can view the birds and hear their caretaker give a presentation on the challenges faced by exotic birds. To save the many pets left behind after Hurricane Katrina, in 2006 the temple ran Tara's Babies to rescue fearful and unadoptable animals from shelters, housing them on property near the Sedona, Arizona location. Monks and nuns from the temple, answering letters from prisoners who were interested in Buddhism, joined the ministerial program at various prisons in Maryland. Monks and nuns are trained by the prison system on their rules and restrictions, and visit to teach meditation. Recording and publication Palyul Productions records video, audio, and transcripts of teachings given at Kunzang Palyul Choling in order to preserve and disseminate them. Blinded by View, which was originally known as Skydancer, produces Ahkon Lhamo's music. References Citations Works cited Further reading External links Asian-American culture in Maryland Buddhism in Maryland Buddhist temples in the United States Nyingma monasteries and temples Religious buildings and structures in Montgomery County, Maryland Tibetan Buddhism in the United States Temples in Maryland