PREVIEW

A flamingo flock at Houston Zoo have taken up residence in their new and improved forever home.

Approximately 200 Zoo staff, volunteers, and board members stood side by side to form a human wall to help navigate the Zoo’s 54 Chilean flamingos to the brand-new South American Wetlands aviary. This is one of the three new aviaries inside the Zoo’s newest 1.3-acre, $13.5 million Birds of the World exhibit, opening to guests on August 30, 2024.

Birds of the World at the Houston Zoo will feature three spacious aviaries, each housing approximately 15 different bird species:

- South American Wetlands Habitat: This immersive aviary gives guests the chance to walk among a spectacular variety of South American birds, including a perennial favourite, the Chilean flamingos. It features a unique double-arched mesh enclosure, creating a walk-through aviary experience. Guests will also see the historical sculptural tree created by Mexican American artist Dionicio Rodriguez, commissioned by the City of Houston in 1926.

- African Savanna Aviary: Highlights include majestic, grey-crowned cranes and a themed watering hole. An artificial carcass feeder will allow vultures to exhibit carrion feeding, designed to let the vultures extend their heads into the "carcass" as they would in the wild.

- North American Woodlands Exhibit: Features a variety of American songbirds, including blue grosbeaks and indigo buntings, helping visitors connect to the beautiful birds in their own backyard. It uses exclusively native plants, like American beautyberry, which also provide nutritional enrichment to the animals.

Additionally, a brand-new, state-of-the-art Avian Conservation Environment (ACE) building will provide updated spaces for our bird care professionals’ day-to-day activities, including behind-the-scenes breeding programs of critically endangered species like the blue-billed curassow and Saint Vincent parrot. Houston Zoo has long been an innovator in the care and conservation of a wide range of birds, and this new complex will elevate and expand that leadership.