The students and staff at the Teaching Zoo have revamped the zoo’s aviary and created the new South American Aviary. The newly rehabbed exhibit is home to four hawk-headed parrots and a green iguana. The aviary boasts new plants, trees, naturalistic perching, and a dry river bed. All of the new additions and improvements encourage the parrots and iguana to show off their natural behaviors.
Hawk-headed parrots (Deroptyus accipitrinus accipitrinus) are native to the tropical forests and savannas of South America. In the wild, they live in small groups of four to seven individuals. The Teaching Zoo’s hawk-headed parrots were originally housed in two separate enclosures in the zoo. They were put together in hopes that they will form bonded pairs and live happily together in one location.
The Zoo’s green iguana (Iguana iguana) was previously off display, but she can now be seen basking in the sun next to the dry river bed.
The new aviary exhibit gives zoo visitors the opportunity to view the social interactions of a large group together and also gives the Teaching Zoo students experience working with a larger group of parrots as well as a multi-species enclosure.
You can experience the new South American Aviary at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Zoo admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children over 3 and seniors. Admission is free for children under 3 and Santa Fe students and staff with an SF ID. The Zoo will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Please visit www.sfcollege.edu/zoo or call 395-5601 for more information.