Philadelphia Zoo $17.5 Million Avian Center

[snowleopard]

Philadelphia Zoo's avian habitat on target | Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/06/2009

The newly remodelled, 1916 bird house is on target to open in a couple of months.

 

[snowleopard]

Celebrating birthday No. 150 for the Philadelphia Zoo - The Delaware County Daily Times : Serving Delaware County, PA(DelcoTimes.com)

A long article detailing the zoo's plans for its 150th birthday celebration.

 

[Zoo Visitor]

The official opening date is May 30, 2009.

But Zoo members (like me) will be attending special previews May 16, 17, 18, and 19.

You may also be able to see a virtual tour of the new avian center on the website soon.

 

[Zooplantman]

I just spent a couple of hours there.
While it is not the biggest or most ambitious of bird houses, I have to say that I have NEVER seen so much bird activity in a walk-through flight! The aracaris were in my face, the starlings were whipping by me like Star Wars fighters! Of course, first thing in the morning - when I was there - is always the best time for birds, but what fun!

 

[Zoo Visitor]

Philadelphia Zoo McNeil Avian Center

I knew you would like it, Zooplantman.

The aracaris love to jump on visitors cameras, too. I uploaded this video recently:

 

[Zooplantman]

I knew you would like it, Zooplantman.

The aracaris love to jump on visitors cameras, too. I uploaded this video recently:

YouTube - Philadelphia Zoo Aracari Lands on Camera (Twice)

Yeah, they nipped me!

 

[Zoo Visitor]

Philadelphia Zoo Aracaris

The one shown in the video started pecking and poking at my camera's pull-out LCD screen (that it was perched on) and actually changed some of the video settings!