Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy

Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy is a specialized bird conservation facility in Litchfield, Connecticut, focused on rare and endangered waterfowl and other declining bird species. Its collection includes more than 100 species and over 500 birds, supported by a research-driven breeding and rearing program designed to maintain genetic diversity. The property combines the breeding facilities with ponds, aviaries, meadows, wetlands, brooks, and forest, giving the visitor experience a strong connection to the habitats these birds depend on.

Visitors can explore the Conservancy and encounter ducks, geese, swans, pheasants, shorebirds, raptors, and other birds from around the world. The grounds include dedicated exhibits such as the Pheasantry, while the surrounding conserved land provides additional opportunities to experience the landscape associated with waterfowl conservation. The emphasis is less on a conventional zoo collection and more on seeing a working conservation program and its resident birds in a natural setting. It particularly suits birdwatchers and travelers interested in aviculture, threatened species, and the practical work involved in maintaining vulnerable bird populations.