subject: Bird Aviary - Recreating A Natural Habitat [print this page] A bird aviary is an enclosure rather than a cage. It can be thought of more as a habitat rather than a confined space like a cage. A large space is provided for flying and freedom of movement within the enclosure. There are a few different variations including both indoor and outdoor bird aviaries. Some are found in zoos and others in private homes. Usually there is an attempt to simulate a natural environment with plants, trees, flowers and other elements. Most are in the style of a walk in aviary where both birds and humans can move about comfortably.
Bird aviaries have a rich history. One of the first was constructed at the London Zoo circa 1829. The first bird aviary to be established on the grounds of a zoological garden was at the Rotterdam Zoo in 1880. In 1902, the National Zoological Park of the Smithsonian constructed a flying cage, another name for the same basic idea. Another flying cage made its debut at the 1904 World's Fair. This exhibit remains in place to this day in Saint Louis. At the time it was billed as the biggest bird cage in the world. Many similar structures were built in different places throughout the world.
Currently, three of the most impressive bird aviaries are located at the Bronx Zoo, Henry Doorly's Zoo and the Birds of Eden Bird Sanctuary in South Africa. The Bronx Zoo is the home to World of Birds, a large bird aviary. This bird aviary is a two story structure built in 1972. It is a series of habitats which recreate the native environment of a variety of species. Several of the habitats are fully open. Visitors make their way through with birds flying overhead. Henry Doorly's Zoo opened their exhibit in 1983. This 4 acre exhibit features swans, storks, flamingos and cranes among many other species. South Africa's Birds of Eden is arguably the biggest free flight enclosure that exists. It is fairly new having opened in 2005. 3000 different birds form over 200 species are on display.
A bird aviary is second only to a natural environment in terms of what is best for birds. They are able to fly and exercise without the sense of confinement present in a traditional cage. They are able to interact with their environment rather than simply observe it from behind bars. A large, outdoor bird aviary is particularly humane. Rarely do you find bird aviaries for sale by private parties so a pet supplies dealer is a must.
