Audubon Zoo to Open Wings of the World

Guests visiting the Audubon Zoo will get to meet 60 species of bird as they open their newest habitat, Wings of the World on Friday, March 3rd 2022.

The new habitat can be found inside the restored and much beloved Tropical Bird House, which is part of the historic Odenheimer area at the Zoo dating back to 1924. In a release the zoo describes the habitat as the ''most immersive experience of its kind in the region'.'' Inside guests will find lush foliage and over 60 species of bird.

One of the key goals with the new space is to support the conservation of threatened species. A featured species within the habitat is the Guam Kingfisher, a small red and blue bird that is one of the most endangered species in the world. Guam kingfishers have been struggling for survival in the wild following the introduction of a predator, the brown tree snake in to their habitat. To ensure their survival the remaining birds have been brought in to human care.

"Audubon is proud to join other Zoos around the world working with Guam kingfishers. We are hopeful the birds in our care will breed," said Mike Houlihan, Curator of Birds at Audubon Zoo. "The survival of this species depends on conservation efforts at zoos around the world to increase their numbers with the ultimate goal of returning them to the wild."

Another highlight in the habitat is the bali myna, a stocky white bird found in Indonesia which is also critically endangered. As few as 100 are believed to remain in the wild following losses due to habitat loss and poaching.

"Wings of the World allows our guests to be immersed in the beauty of nature and experience seeing and hearing many different species of birds in one place," said Ron Forman, Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO. "Many of these rare and endangered species suffer because of human impacts including illegal hunting and habitat destruction. By encountering these unusual species here at Audubon Zoo, we hope to encourage our guests to learn about and practice conservation and sustainability in their lives to make a positive impact on the larger world."