The Bronx Zoo in New York City is one of the largest and most famous zoos in the United States. With over 4,000 animals across 265 acres, it offers visitors the chance to see wildlife from around the world. One of the key features that many zoos have is an aviary – an enclosure for keeping birds. So an important question is: does the Bronx Zoo have an aviary?
Quick Answer
Yes, the Bronx Zoo does have an aviary. The zoo’s aviary complex is known as the World of Birds and contains over 100 bird species from around the globe. Some of the unique bird species found in the Bronx Zoo’s aviary include macaws, hornbills, and birds of paradise.
Overview of the Bronx Zoo’s Aviary
The Bronx Zoo opened the World of Birds aviary in 1972. It was one of the first immersion-style walk-through aviaries in the country, allowing visitors to be surrounded by freely flying birds from different continents. The World of Birds underwent a major renovation in 1990 which expanded the complex to over 2.5 acres.
The aviary contains a number of indoor and outdoor exhibits replicating the natural habitats of various bird species. Some highlights include:
- African Coast Aviary – Features birds from African coasts and wetlands, including herons, egrets, and hammerkopf.
- Australian Aviary – Showcases colorful parrots, cockatoos, and other Australian species.
- Salt Marsh Habitat – Displays wading birds like roseate spoonbills and ibises.
- Scarlet Ibis Exhibit – A habitat for the stunning bright red Scarlet Ibis.
- Tropical Rainforest Aviary – Lush forest filled with toucans, birds of paradise, and other tropical species.
In total, the aviary contains over 6,000 birds from more than 650 different species. Through immersive habitats and walkways, visitors can discover birds from around the world up close.
Unique Bird Species
Some of the rare and unique bird species that have been exhibited at the Bronx Zoo’s World of Birds aviary include:
- Philippine Eagle – One of the largest eagles in the world, instantly recognizable by its dramatic elongated crest.
- Toco Toucan – Known for its massive colorful bill, it is the largest and best known toucan species.
- Bali Myna – An exceptionally rare white myna, considered a symbol of luck in its native Bali.
- Greater Bird of Paradise – Famous for the elaborate plumage of males that they use in mating displays.
- Hyacinth Macaw – With a wingspan over 3 feet, it is the largest flying parrot in the world.
These are just a few examples of the rare and endangered bird species that the Bronx Zoo has helped conserve through exhibits in its aviary.
Exhibits and Attractions
In addition to the immersive habitat aviaries, the Bronx Zoo’s World of Birds contains a number of special exhibits that help educate visitors about birds from around the globe:
Raptor Aviary
This specialized aviary is dedicated to raptor species like eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. Many of the species are part of conservation and breeding programs. Visitors can get up close views of the powerful birds of prey.
Bee-Eater Exhibit
Dedicated to bee-eater bird species, this exhibit features habitats designed to mimic the nesting colonies where these colorful birds gather.
Quarantine Exhibit
This section provides a behind-the-scenes look at how newly acquired birds are cared for in quarantine before entering the general aviary population.
Interpretive Center
Includes informational displays about bird conservation and facts about species exhibited at the zoo. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to explore topics like migration, anatomy, and nesting.
Bird Conservation
A major focus of the World of Birds aviary is bird conservation. Some ways the Bronx Zoo works to protect rare bird species include:
- Careful management of captive populations in cooperation with other zoos.
- Operation of breeding programs for endangered species.
- Public education about threats to birds worldwide.
- Financial and research support of conservation projects across the globe.
- Habitat restoration and community support for conservation of key bird habitats.
The Bronx Zoo has had many successful hatchings of rare birds, including the first captive hatchings of Toco toucans and oriental white-backed vultures.
Visiting the Aviary
The World of Birds aviary is open year-round and included with general admission to the Bronx Zoo. Some tips for visitors:
- Arrive early since many birds are most active in the morning.
- Ask zoo staff for times of scheduled bird feedings.
- Bring a camera to capture the diverse exotic bird species.
- Dress appropriately as some exhibits are outdoors.
- Pick up a bird guide to help identify species.
- Be respectful of nesting areas which may be roped off for bird comfort.
Visiting the aviary can easily take 1-2 hours to fully explore. Quiet spots for observation allow visitors to closely study the behaviors and interactions of exotic birds rarely seen outside of the wild.
History of the Bronx Zoo Aviary
The Bronx Zoo has a long history of exhibiting birds that helped pioneer immersion-style aviaries in the United States:
1899
The zoo opens an Antelope House that included several furnished cages for birds.
1908
The Flying Cage is constructed – one of the first large flight cages for birds in a U.S. zoo.
1937
The zoo’s famous African Plains exhibit opens, including aPASSAGE for small African birds to fly freely.
1965
The Children’s Zoo includes the Conrad Aviary with a variety of small bird species.
1972
The World of Birds complex opens, providing an immersion experience with exotic birds.
1990
Major renovation and expansion of World of Birds to over 2.5 acres.
Today the aviary continues a long legacy of showcasing exotic bird species and promoting conservation.
Conclusion
The Bronx Zoo’s World of Birds aviary provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to discover exotic bird species from around the world. Through carefully designed immersion habitats, endangered birds thrive while visitors learn about conservation. For over 50 years, the aviary has pioneered new approaches to exhibiting birds and helped preserve threatened species. A visit to this world-class aviary is an experience every bird lover and nature enthusiast should have when in New York City.
