Birder’s Paradise at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans This Summer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sarah Burnette
(504) 212-5335
sburnette@auduboninstitute.org

Birder’s Paradise at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans This Summer
Recent Hatchlings Include Rare Species

July 7, 2011 New Orleans, LA

It’s a birdwatcher’s delight at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans this summer, with several recent hatchings drawing interest from wildlife lovers.

Audubon Aviary is where most of these chicks are found. All of the species are targeted by cooperative conservation initiatives among members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Audubon Aviary is located near the back of Audubon Zoo just past the Swamp Train station.

Pigeon species thrive in Audubon Aviary, with chicks from Emerald Doves, Luzon Bleeding-heart and Nicobar Pigeons. Some of the parents have even gone back and are sitting on nests again.

Perching birds are reproducing as well, with chicks from Collared Finch-billed Bulbuls, Golden-breasted Starlings and the critically endangered Blue-crowned Laughingthrush. Audubon Zoo is the only zoo in North America currently raising this rare species.

Visitors glancing skyward may be treated to a sighting of a Scarlet Ibis chick just about to leave its nest way up at the top of the Aviary.

And once again this year, the flamingo flock at Audubon Zoo’s front gate plaza is producing some crowd-pleasing chicks. Two are hatched out already with several more being incubated. Very lucky guests with just the right timing may actually see some of these birds hatching out right in front of the public!

Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine Street in New Orleans, is open Tuesday through Sunday with summer hours of 10am – 7pm. Find out more at www.auduboninstitute.org or by calling (504) 581-4629.