Vancouver Aquarium Vancouver Aquarium query

[kc7gr]

Fellow zoo-goers,

I've been corresponding with one of the Vancouver Aquarium staff regarding the fact that they've hired a contract birds-of-prey show for the months of March through June. This concerned me, especially when eagles were mentioned, because any free-flight demo (which this is going to be) requires a LOT of open space, and I question whether the aquarium has the capacity to do such things safely.

I've been told the show will take place on their "Wild Coast" deck, whatever that is. Honestly, I've not been there in years. Could someone who has please comment?

The timing is also puzzling to me. One would think such a show would run the entire summer, rather than just through part of June.

Thanks much.

 

[snowleopard]

Birds of Prey

A bald eagle, barn owl, red-tailed hawk and turkey vulture are the 4 birds listed on the website in the new birds of prey show, and I am quite puzzled as to how the demonstrations will take place due to the lack of outdoor space. March 9th to June 28th are the dates listed for the presentations, and the "Wild Coast" deck is where the dolphin shows are conducted from. That deck is the old orca pool that was converted into a habitat for pacific white-sided dolphins many years ago.

 

[kc7gr]

Now I'm really puzzled...

Thanks, Snowleopard. I would have to agree. I'm not so worried about the red-tail and the barn owl, but turkey vultures and eagles have huge wingspans AND require much more space for a free-flight demo. I'm sure you remember what happened when the bird guy at the GV Zoo was dumb enough to try free-flight with his out-of-condition golden eagle.

Granted, there are no lions or other big cats (that I know of) in Stanley Park, and I suspect these birds will be in better physical shape. However, using the Wild Coast deck for bird-flying bothers me for multiple reasons. For starters, the presence of the lagoon cuts down on the available places for the critters to make a quick landing if they need to (can you say "harassed by crows?")

Worse yet, the wide separation of the audience from the stage area is going to make viewing the birds difficult at best. Proper photography will likely be impossible for anyone without at least a 250mm zoom.

I'm beginning to suspect this whole venture may turn out to be an epic fail for the aquarium, but I will reserve judgment until I've actually seen the show (or gotten a first-hand report).

Happy travels.