The Tracy Aviary has received a commitment for a $750,000 donation — the largest private contribution in the aviary's history.

The offer has thrilled backers of Proposition 1, which will be on the ballot this November in Salt Lake County. The proposition would authorize a $19.6 million bond for needed improvements to the aviary. But under the bond's terms, the aviary must raise $1.5 million in matching funds before it can receive the final $6.1 million in bond money.

With the $750,000 commitment in hand, the aviary is already halfway there.

"This is a huge milestone for supporters of Proposition 1," said Tracy Aviary eExecutive dDirector Tim Brown.

The donor has expressed a desire to remain anonymous, and aviary representatives are honoring that request. However, they are able to state that the donor is a well-established aviary supporter who has given more than $400,000 to the institution over the last decade.

"In difficult financial times, the voters are justified in looking for assurance that the aviary is serious about meeting its financial obligations," Brown said. "We want the voters to know that, when it comes to raising our matching funds under Proposition 1, the aviary has its ducks in a row."

Tracy Aviary is located on eight acres in Liberty Park, 589 S. 1300 East. It is the largest aviary in the United States. Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, it has a diverse collection of 400 birds representing 135 species.

The aviary is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with bird shows at 11:30 a.m.