The Fresno Chaffee Zoo in Fresno, California is home to over 190 species from around the world. One of the most popular attractions is the bird show, where guests can see trained birds like hawks, owls, parrots and more up close as they perform aerial acrobatics and other behaviors. If you’re planning a trip to the Fresno Zoo, you’ll probably want to catch the bird show. So when exactly is it held? Read on for the schedule and other key details about the Fresno Zoo bird show.
What is the Fresno Zoo Bird Show?
The Fresno Zoo Bird Show features a variety of bird species from around the world. The birds are trained to perform aerial maneuvers, demonstrate natural behaviors, and more. The show is both educational and entertaining, allowing guests to learn about the different birds while being wowed by their abilities.
Some of the species you may see at the Fresno Zoo bird show include:
- Bald eagle
- Red-tailed hawk
- Great horned owl
- Barn owl
- Eurasian eagle owl
- Turkey vulture
- Macaw
- Cockatoo
The show highlights the unique adaptations and abilities of each bird species. For example, owls demonstrate their incredible hearing and silent flight capabilities when they fly directly over the audience. Hawks swoop down close to guests to showcase their speed and agility.
Throughout the show, zookeepers and trainers provide interesting facts and details about each bird. This educational component allows guests to gain a deeper appreciation for these incredible avian creatures.
The grand finale of the bird show often features multiple species flying together to catch food mid-air or perform synchronized aerial maneuvers. This exciting conclusion leaves audiences wowed by the birds’ natural behaviors and abilities.
When Does the Fresno Zoo Bird Show Take Place?
The Fresno Zoo bird show takes place daily during the spring and summer months. The show is typically offered 2-3 times per day.
Here is the schedule:
- March to May: 11:00am and 2:00pm daily
- June to August: 10:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm daily
- September to October: 11:00am and 2:00pm daily
During the fall and winter months of November through February, the bird show is only offered on weekends and holidays at 12:00pm and 2:00pm.
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo website provides the most up-to-date bird show schedule. This is important to check, as the times can occasionally change due to staffing or other factors. The schedule is available at https://fresnochaffeezoo.org/bird-show/.
Where Does the Bird Show Take Place?
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo bird show takes place in the Wings of Asia exhibit. This exhibit features a large outdoor amphitheater that can accommodate several hundred guests at once.
The amphitheater is surrounded by trees, mesh netting, and other enclosures that house many of the birds used in the show. This allows some birds like hawks and eagles to fly in and out of their enclosures as part of the performance.
Guests sit on benches in the amphitheater with an unobstructed view of the trainers and the open sky above where many of the birds fly. A sound system allows the trainers’ educational narration and facts about each bird species to be clearly heard throughout the amphitheater.
The Wings of Asia exhibit is located in the southeast corner of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo near the elephant and rhino exhibits. Guests should plan to arrive at the amphitheater at least 15 minutes prior to showtime to secure seating.
What Should You Know Before Attending?
Here are some key tips to ensure you enjoy the Fresno Zoo bird show:
- Arrive early – Get to the Wings of Asia amphitheater at least 15 minutes prior to showtime for good seats. The venue fills up quickly.
- Protect against the sun – Use sunscreen and wear a hat, as there is limited shade in the amphitheater.
- Silence cell phones – Be sure to silence cell phones and refrain from excess noise during the show so everyone can hear the narration.
- Ask questions – Trainers welcome respectful questions from the audience after the show.
- Don’t bring food – Food is not allowed in the amphitheater.
- Supervise children – Keep a close eye on little ones, as some birds may fly overhead.
- Stay seated – Remain seated unless directed by staff, for your safety and that of the birds.
- No flash photography – Turn off flashes and limit photography to avoid startling the birds.
Following these tips will let you make the most of your experience at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s incredible bird show! Seeing the talents of hawks, eagles, owls and other species up close is an unforgettable experience.
What Else Should You Do at the Fresno Zoo?
The bird show is a highlight, but there’s much more to see and do at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo:
Exhibits
- African Adventure – View gorillas, lions, cheetahs and more African wildlife in multi-species habitats.
- Asian Temple Ruins – See tigers, otters and other Asian species in ruins replicating Angkor Wat.
- Rainforest – Get an up close view of sloths, monkeys, snakes and tropical birds.
- Sea Lion Cove – Watch sea lion training demos and underwater viewing areas.
- Penguin Cove – Observe African penguins above and below water through a glass wall.
Rides
- Endangered Species Carousel – Ride exotic hand-carved endangered animals.
- Sea Lion Splash – Get soaked on a water flume ride.
- Dragon Train – Take a ride on a train shaped like a dragon.
Feedings and Encounters
- Giraffe Feeding – Hand-feed lettuce to the zoo’s Masai giraffes.
- Lorikeet Landing – Feed nectar to colorful lorikeet birds that will land on you.
- Albert the Aldabra Tortoise Encounter – Get up close with the zoo’s giant tortoise.
- Radiated Tortoise Encounter – Meet this endangered tortoise species.
With so much to experience, you’ll want to spend a full day exploring the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Catching the bird show is just one of many amazing things you can do there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the Fresno Zoo bird show:
How long does the bird show last?
The Fresno Zoo bird show typically lasts 20-25 minutes. This allows enough time to showcase multiple bird species and provide informative narration.
How close can you get to the birds?
Guests remain seated in the amphitheater, but some birds like hawks may fly directly overhead just feet from the audience. Owls and other species sometimes perch very close to the crowd as well.
Is the bird show canceled due to weather?
The zoo aims to hold the show rain or shine. However, in severe weather like storms, high winds, or temperatures over 90°F, shows may be canceled for the safety of birds and guests.
Can you take photos during the show?
Yes, photography and video are allowed but no flash and limited to the seating area. Get your cameras ready for awesome close-up shots!
Do birds ever fly away during a show?
The birds are highly trained and handled by experienced trainers. Escapes are extremely rare thanks to rewards-based training. Mesh netting also encloses the amphitheater as an extra precaution.
Can you feed the birds?
No, guests should not attempt to feed the birds. Their diets are specially controlled by zookeepers. Feedings only occur by trainers during shows.
Conclusion
The bird show is an exciting highlight of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo that delights crowds multiple times daily. Witnessing the natural behaviors of hawks, eagles, owls and other avian species up close is an amazing experience. Just be sure to arrive early, follow the rules, and bring your camera to fully enjoy this unique zoo show. With Talons! A Birds of Prey Experience, you’ll gain a new appreciation for these incredible raptors.
