WINGS DOWN UNDER: A PARROT FEEDING ADVENTURE
When visitors explore Australia at Zoo Miami, they will find an exciting exhibit that really gives them the feeling of being in the Outback. Wings Down Under: A Parrot Feeding Adventure, which opened in December 2011, is a free-flight, 1,656-square-foot aviary that is home to over 300 colorful and stunning birds. Here, you can find a variety of birds that are native to Australia, including cockatiels, parakeets and rosellas. You can even purchase some treats for the birds, which will perch on your arms or hands to nibble on their snacks. As soon as you arrive, you will find yourself surrounded by the beautiful songs of the birds chirping and singing in the aviary’s serene environment. The lush landscape was inspired by the Australian Outback, rich, flourishing, and almost as colorful as the parrots. Beautiful plants bring the exhibit to life, like the Flaveria linearis shrub, with its small yellow flowers clustered together to stand out. These are complemented with the vibrant indigo hue of the Blue Daze and the pretty pink petals of the Jatrophia flowers. Enchanting trees stand tall, like the Rainbow Eucalyptus, its bark covered in strokes of blues, greens and oranges. All of these colors easily stand out against the rich greens of the ferns and grasses in this delightful exhibit.
While you are exploring, or feeding the parrots, zoo staff will share interesting facts about the birds, answering questions and educating the public on the natural habitats and behaviors of these beautiful creatures, as well as explaining the issues, concerns and challenges that face them in the wild. This fun and interactive exhibit is open to visitors every day from noon to 4 p.m.
SAMBURU GIRAFFE FEEDING STATION
Have you ever been face to face with a giraffe? Since these famously tall creatures stand at about 16-20 feet tall, most people would only be able to compare to one of its legs in height. At Zoo Miami, you can get up close and personal with Titan, Kita, Fezzick, and the rest of your favorite giraffes at the Samburu Giraffe Feeding Station. At this interactive exhibit, guests can walk up a custom built ramp that leads to an elevated platform overlooking the African Plains exhibit. Weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends & holidays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can purchase delicious green veggies like lettuce or collard greens to feed to these giant creatures for only $3.50! You will get to check out their spots up close and look into their eyes as they come right up to you and extend their 14-inch long tongues to gently scoop the treats right out of your hand.
For a small fee, you and your family can have a professional photo taken of you and these beautiful animals to preserve the fun memory! The photos, decorated with an African-themed border, will be developed and ready to go in just under one minute.
