Media Contacts:
Cindy Castelblanco/Susana Cortázar
Zoological Society of Florida/Zoo Miami
Ph: 305-255-5551/305-251-0400
E-mail: cindyc@zsf.org/susanac@miamidade.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ZOO MIAMI OPENS NEW INTERACTIVE EXHIBIT – WINGS DOWN UNDER: A PARROT FEEDING ADVENTURE

The entire family will enjoy this fun, interactive free-flight aviary where hundreds of parakeets, cockatiels, and rosellas will eat out the palm of your hand

Miami, FL (January 10, 2012) - Zoo Miami is proud to present its latest interactive exhibit – Wings Down Under: A Parrot Feeding Adventure – at its Australian lobe.  This free-flight, 1,656-square-foot aviary houses over 300 brightly colored birds including - cockatiels, parakeets, and rosellas, all parrots native to Australia.  Upon arrival, guests will be surrounded by the sounds of the birds chirping and singing in the aviary’s peaceful environment encircled with a lush landscape inspired by the Australian Outback.  For $3, guests can purchase a seed snack to feed the birds.  The friendly birds will fly and perch on visitors’ arms or hands (and sometimes heads) in order to nibble on the treats.

In addition to being a fun exhibit, Wings Down Under: A Parrot Feeding Adventure, is a learning experience.  Zoo staff is available at the site to answer any questions and educate the public about the birds’ habitat and behaviors, as well as issues, concerns and challenges facing birds in the wild.

The exhibit is open daily from noon to 4:30 pm.  Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 Street; Miami, FL 33177. General zoo admission is: $15.95 per adult and $11.95 per child (3-12), plus tax.  Children under two, zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s hours are 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; ticket booths close at 4 p.m.  Some animals start going in for the night at 5 p.m.  For more information please visit www.zoomiami.org.

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