Asheboro, NC - To mark the arrival of the annual migration of millions of birds from winter habitats to their summer breeding grounds and habitats across North America, the North Carolina Zoo will celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at the park Saturday, May 11, as part of their annual "Birds & Blooms" event.

Saturday's activities, all centered around the R.J. Reynolds Forest Aviary exhibit, will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will include: poster give-a-ways, face painting, biofact tables, bird watching stations, activities and crafts for kids, and a painting demonstration by artist Stacy Lewis. Guests can also see demonstrations on how to make bird feeders.

Throughout the day at the Aviary, there will be additional give-a-ways and opportunities for visitors to talk with staff and volunteers.

At 2 p.m. in the African Amphitheater, the Intermediate II Orchestra of the Duke University String School, conducted by Stephanie Swisher, will perform "Carnival of the Animals" by Saint-Saens. Additionally, poet Dorothy Kitchen will read her works. There is no additional charge for admission to the Amphitheater, which is just outside the African admission gates. For more information on the String School, see http://stringschool.duke.edu/the-school

On Sunday, May 12, visitors can present an online Mother's Day coupon found at www.nczoo.org, and mothers will receive a $2 discount off general admission with the purchase of one general admission. The coupon is good for Sunday only.

Coca-Cola is the signature sponsor for all zoo special events this year.

The zoo is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, John E. Skvarla,III, secretary; Pat McCrory, governor.

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