Zoo Atlanta is home to over 225 individual birds, representing over 50 different species. The zoo has a variety of mixed-species aviaries, allowing the different species to interact with one another. The selection process for birds in a multispecies aviary is essential, considering each bird’s size, habitat, and behavior. The size of the aviary must be big enough for the bird to exhibit its natural behaviors in the wild. The cold tolerance of the bird is also considered, along with its behavior, to ensure that each individual can peacefully coexist in a shared space. The zoo attempts to set the birds up for success by slowly introducing them to a new space and habitat mates. Overall, the keeper team ensures each bird has a beautiful place to call home.
Unfurling Feathers: Zoo Atlanta‘s Mixed-Species Aviary Takes Flight
Nestled among the largest zoological powerhouses in the United States, Zoo Atlanta stands proud, continually prioritizing animal welfare in every new habitat and exhibit they curate. Recently, they’ve embarked on an exciting venture, creating a mixed-species aviary teeming with a dazzling array of bird species from every corner of the globe.
Choosing the Feathered Stars
Let’s start with the birds themselves. Before considering building an aviary, we must know who will live there. After all, they’re the stars of the show! We scrutinize several factors: diet, habitat, social behavior, and compatibility. Zoo Atlanta has earmarked an impressive lineup: parrots, toucans, hornbills, and starlings from South America, Africa, and Asia. They all gel together brilliantly, sharing similar dietary habits and environmental needs.
Fashioning a Feathered Haven
Now that we’ve gathered our feathery friends, it’s time to build them a home. The aviary design aims to mirror the birds’ natural environment and offer ample room to spread their wings, rummage around, and socialize. Picture this: a spacious outdoor arena with trees, water features, and nesting boxes. Meanwhile, an indoor retreat offers refuge during rough weather, with many enrichment items like perches, puzzles, ropes, and toys.
Piecing Together the Aviary
Building an aviary is no small feat. It involves many stages, from prepping the site, erecting the structure, and installing utilities to landscaping. Let’s not forget the flourishes, like footpaths for visitors, benches for a moment’s rest, and signage to educate and inform. Working hand-in-hand with the animal care staff, the construction team ensures the aviary caters to the birds’ needs and guarantees a safe, enriching environment.
Welcoming the Winged Residents
The last leg of this journey is introducing the birds to their brand-new home. This process unfolds gradually, giving the birds ample time to acclimate to their new surroundings and roommates. Keeping a close eye on the birds’ behaviors, Zoo Atlanta’s dedicated animal care staff provides the necessary support during this crucial adjustment period.
Wrapping Up
Crafting a mixed-species aviary at Zoo Atlanta is an ambitious endeavor that demands meticulous planning, synergistic collaboration, and in-depth expertise. By replicating the birds’ natural environments and providing them with a spacious area to explore and interact, the aviary aspires to present an enriching, one-of-a-kind experience for its feathery residents and awe-struck visitors.
