April 9, 2009

Open air aviary will open at Racine Zoo

A new aviary will soon open at the Racine Zoo -- an exhibit in an open air structure featuring over 200 Australian birds including budgies, rosellas and cockatiels.

"It will be the largest interactive aviary in the Upper Midwest,” said Jay Christie, president of the zoo. The public will have direct contact with many of the birds as they enter the open-air structure. Additionally, feed sticks will be sold to encourage the birds to land on the hands of visitors.

Norco Manufacturing, a Racine company that makes aircraft hanger doors, donated the funds for the aviary, which will be named the Norco Aviary.

The aviary will open unofficially on Thursday, May 21, at 5:30 p.m. at the Zoo's annual member appreciation event. The grand opening will be Saturday afternoon, May 23, with events for kids.

The aviary will replace the existing petting zoo.

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