The North Carolina Zoo Announces “Birds in Flight,” a New Attraction for 2018
Posted on 02/28/18
Asheboro, NC — The North Carolina Zoo announces a new attraction for 2018 entitled “Birds in Flight,” a new outdoor experience featuring exotic birds from around the world.
Birds in Flight debuts Easter weekend, Fri., March 30, and runs daily through Oct. 31. Performances are at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays, and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays. There is a nominal fee for the show ($3 per person, in addition to regular Zoo admission). The show is suitable for all ages.
“The North Carolina Zoo has always been a place where guests can learn about and connect with animals from around the world,” says Susi H. Hamilton, secretary of N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “We’re always excited when a new attraction opens, especially one like this that allows our visitors to have a more interactive, up-close experience.”
The show is produced by Animal Behavior and Conservation Connections with the recognized avian trainer and expert Phung Luu, who was recently featured on the “Today” show performing with a few members of his flock.
“We are thrilled to bring our guests up close and personal with this amazing show,” says Pat Simmons, the Zoo’s director. “It’s high-energy, educational and features beautiful exotic birds flying overhead and interacting with guests. And the timing of bringing this program to the North Carolina Zoo couldn’t be better.”
That’s because 2018 is being celebrated as the Year of the Bird by the National Geographic Society. It marks the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the most influential and important bird-protection law ever passed. Over the past century, it’s believed that the law has saved many millions of birds from harmful human activities.
“There’s a quote from the noted biologist, Thomas Lovejoy, that speaks to the importance of birds in our ecosystem,” says Simmons. “He said, ‘If you take care of birds, you take care of most of the environmental problems in the world.’”
Guests for Birds in Flight will see majestic macaws, sun conures, falcons, hawks, vultures and owls up close and personal as the birds soar by just inches away, demonstrating natural behaviors and aerial acrobatics under the open sky. The show has previously played to rave reviews at the Bronx Zoo, Philadelphia Zoo, and the Birmingham Zoo.
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About the North Carolina Zoo
At the North Carolina Zoo, we celebrate nature. As the world’s largest natural habitat Zoo, we inspire a lifelong curiosity about animals for the hundreds of thousands of people who visit our Zoo each year. Our dedicated team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate care for the more than 1,600 animals and 52,000 plants that call our Park home. We also lead efforts locally and globally to protect wildlife and wild places because we believe nature’s diversity is critical for our collective future. The North Carolina Zoo invites all of our guests to witness the majesty of the wild in the heart of North Carolina and welcomes everyone to join in our mission to protect nature’s diversity. Visit NCZoo.org to begin your life-changing journey.
About the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state’s natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. NCDNCR’s mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state’s history, conserving the state’s natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.
NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science museums, three aquariums and Jennette’s Pier, 39 state parks and recreation areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please call 919- 807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.
