 Flights
of Fancy: A Brilliance of Birds
Presented by Citizens Energy Group
Opening Memorial Day Weekend 2012
Be
prepared for an extravaganza of showy feathers, explosive color
and amusing antics as we open our all-new exhibit Memorial Day
Weekend 2012. You will be able to stroll through three brilliant
aviaries, enjoy interactive feedings, watch a parade of pink
flamingoes, and rediscover the birds that have brightened
your imagination since childhood.
 Flights of
Fancy: A Brilliance of Birds presented by Citizens Energy Group
offers up-close experiences with colorful and curious birds from
around the world. Designed especially for families with young
children, this all-new Encounters exhibit gives you the
opportunity to get close to the animals. A nose-to-beak
experience awaits you in our interactive aviaries and habitats:
▪
Feeding
Opportunities: In this aviary, be surrounded by hundreds
of friendly and curious budgies. Give your seed stick a
shake, and one may even land on your hand, arm or shoulder to
have a nibble of seed. Remember to bring your camera (or phone)
for some great photo ops!
▪
Out of Africa:
Take a trip to Africa as you stroll through the next
aviary. While Guinea fowl run along the ground, and turacos and
superb starlings rest on perches above, you can watch taveta
golden weavers hard at work building their intricate nests. The
southern ground hornbills are certain to be a favorite. These
three-foot-tall meat-eating birds are the jesters of the African
savannah, and love to play with their food.
▪
Lorikeets: Colorful, tropical, playful lorikeets will
greet you in the
third aviary. You'll feel like you're in Australia as you listen
to their cheerful songs while they drink nectar right from your
hand!
Want
to observe from a distance? There are many landing-free zones
outside the aviaries that provide a comfortable vantage point
where you’ll be able to enjoy all of the sights and sounds.
▪
Splash of Caribbean
Color: Also, look for a sandy beach, large lagoon, and
lush plants and you’ll find a stand of flamingos feeling right
at home. For these festive birds, the more the merrier!
▪
Native Birds:
We haven’t forgotten about birds from around Indiana;
an area planted with indigenous plants and trees will provide a
special home just for them. Colorful birds aren’t just for other
continents; Africa has golden weavers, but Indiana has
goldfinches. Australia has red lorikeets, but we have
spectacular cardinals. Be inspired to invite birds to your
own backyard by seeing what we’ve done with ours.
 Not
Just for the Birds
The new Flights of Fancy exhibit will include more than
birds—there are great new amenities that will feather your
family’s nest, too! Look for these great additions:
▪
Nursing Moms Nest presented by
Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health: A quiet place for moms to care for and
nurse babies in semi-privacy.
▪
4-D Theater: An all-new action packed
theater with 3-D and 4-D shows that will blow your imagination!
▪
New food options: Enjoy smoothies and
tropically-inspired menu items.
▪
Tots Treehouse and Play Area: A special place for
little ones to play.
We're
still working on the bird species that will be featured in this new area,
but the collection should include not only American and Chilean flamingos,
but also cockatiels, lorikeets, superb starlings, umbrella cockatoos,
Amazonian yellow-headed parrots, taveta weavers, and budgies.
Members-Only Preview
You can be among the very first to see the brilliance of birds at the
Indianapolis Zoo at the members-only preview from 4 to 6pm May 24 and 25.
This exclusive event is free to members. No reservations are required, but
be sure to bring your membership card. Not a member?
Click here to find
out how you can get in on these and other member-exclusive events!
Photos by Kerrie Best
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