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Festival of Flight – Birds Will Show Off Their Flying Skills Starting May 28, 2016
I am not a huge bird fan but I love watching the Festival of Flight. I am getting better! I even let the Budgie birds sit on my finger in the Hamill Family Wild Encounters. So if you get a chance at the end of May, beginning of June go see the Festival of Flight. It’s a lot of fun! It will run until Labor Day of this year.
Brookfield, Ill.
Festival of Flight, an innovative and inspirational bird presentation, is soaring back to Brookfield Zoo this summer. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, May 28, and continuing through Labor Day, September 5, zoogoers will be able to gaze up with excitement while watching birds swoop, dip, and dive as they show off their natural winged abilities during Festival of Flight, which is free with general zoo admission.
Guests will look on in awe as Palmer, a palm cockatoo, glides inches above their heads and as an Andean condor displays its incredible 10-foot wingspan. Zoogoers will chuckle as a kea parrot named Ike teaches onlookers how to properly recycle and as Gabby and Happy Jack, two yellow-headed Amazons parrots, sing some of their favorite songs. In addition, members of the audience may want to bring some extra cash, as a crow scans the crowd for donations that will help support endangered species in the wild.
“Festival of Flight is an exciting and educational experience that allows our guests to learn about the importance of conservation and fun facts about the different species of birds showcased,” said Bill Zeigler, senior vice president of animal programs for the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo.
Conservation is woven throughout the show to inspire caring and to urge the audience to take action. For example, zoogoers will hear about critically endangered blue-throated macaws. Although exact numbers are unknown, it is estimated that there are just over 100 remaining in the wild.
Festival of Flight features more than 20 species of birds, including blue-throated and scarlet macaws, hooded vultures, Eurasian eagle owls, Harpy eagles, double yellow-headed Amazon parrots, Harris hawks, Abyssinian ground hornbills, ravens, and more. The birds are trained by internationally renowned animal behaviorist Steve Martin and his team of trainers.
The 20-minute presentation will take place west of the zoo’s Tropic World habitat at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. daily. From June 17 through August 13, shows on Fridays will be at 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.
The schedule is subject to change and is weather permitting. General zoo admission is $17.85 for adults and $12.50 for children 3-11 and seniors 65 and over. Children 2 and under are free. Parking is $11.00. For further information about Festival of Flight, visit CZS.org/UpcomingEvents or call (708) 688-8000.
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