Published on Nov, 2019
This is no wayside zoo for people's entertainment. They take in injured birds, nurse them back to health and release them if possible. If not possible they try to give them a life as close to what they could have had in freedom. The place is huge, with several different aviaries and in one we were met by a sassy bird in the double door situation, and as we left were met by an even sassier bird who refused to let my sister pass. It was hilarious. The sign pointed out that the birds may peck, which cracked me up because I volunteer in the Lorikeet Aviary at the Columbus zoo (Ohio) and those little buggers bite! There were so many birds, so much bird song, so much heat! And just when the heat was about to conquer you, there is a stand where you can buy ice cream and cold drinks and relax in shade before going on. There were no birds in little cages - all had a great deal of room and freedom in their various areas. The bird show was delightful and informative (but as the gentleman in charge regretfully explained, he speaks English and Spanish but not French). The birds were not under duress to perform - they actually didn't perform at all. They showed up on cue and then left. For instance, the host would ask "what is the world's fastest bird?" and the audience would answer "Falcon" and one would come swooping in and sit on a handler's hand. "Some birds are flock birds." he would say as a dozen or so Scarlet Ibis and their paler cousins came running in, knowing they would be fed. This was definitely a highlight of my trip - and how many places can you see a Harpy Eagle - which should be on your bucket list! One warning - you cannot take in bug spray (too dangerous for some birds) so spray yourself down in the parking lot.