The Avian Worlds of the Cougar Mountain Zoo Issaquah, Washington

Photos and Text by Mary Nogare, Issaqua Washington

ucked into the evergreen­ fees, membership fees from the ates, or "externships" for graduates, covered, rolling north side of Zoological Society of Washington, designed to introduce students to T Cougar Mountain in private sponsorship of benches, the facets of Zoo operation, includ­ Issaquah, Washington is a minia­ exhibits or animals ("adoptions"), ing medicine, animal husbandry, ture, earthly "solar system" in the participation in such programs as education, and administration, are making. Seven Worlds of the sys­ the Animal Tracks library, or offered. In addition, a catalog of tem exist and more swirl as ideas engraved paving stones, and dona­ classes, titled "Your Living awaiting substance. As in an astro­ tions. In 2000, more than 60,000 Classroom" is available. The CMZ nomical system, the existing Worlds people visited the CMZ. also has a program through which are being renewed and replen­ From its conception, the CMZ free admission tickets are provided ished, responding to strong forces. was founded on a strong base of to area schools. Over 30,000 of Instead of gravitational, electro­ education. Rittler's philosophy on these tickets are provided every magnetic and nuclear forces that the function of zoos has become year. influence atoms and planets, these one of the CMZ's basic tenets: "The In recognition of the CMZ's Worlds are influenced by the forces earth's wildlife as we know it today excellence as an educational of dedication to quality, education, can only be saved through intensi­ resource and its value to the com­ and conservation. fying the teaching of individuals munity the city of Issaquah granted Cougar Mountain Zoological and nations the practical, aesthetic the Zoo the official status of Park (CMZ) encompasses a little and emotional value wildlife repre­ "Issaquah City Treasure" in 1997 more than ten acres - a small but sents. No wild animal belongs in and the Mayor declared the first bright star in the constellation of captivity... Zoo animals are instru­ week of July to be "Issaquah Zoo Washington Zoos. It stands proudly ments of the education process Week." among such world-class compan­ representing that last and vital fron­ Excellence has also been rec­ ions as Woodland Park Zoo in tier through which their wild ognized by such organizations as Seattle, Point Defiance Zoo and brethren may be saved from extinc­ Mutual of Omaha's Wildlife Aquarium in Tacoma, and tion." Heritage Trust, which awarded Northwest Trek in Eatonville. To achieve its goals for educa­ CM"s Orphaned Cougar Cub exhib­ What is the Cougar Mountain tion and conservation, the CMZ is it as one of the best in 1993. The Zoo and what makes it a special active in the Puget Sound commu­ Mountain Lion, Large Macaw, and place? nity, especially the area known as Lemur exhibits at CMZ are consid­ the Eastside (East Puget Sound in ered among the top three, and the ONE SMALL STEP King County) where Issaquah is Siberian Reindeer collection one of CMZ was founded in 1972 by located. Workshops, classes, tours, the largest, of any zoo in the United Zoo Director Peter Rittler and lectures and Outreach programs States. Mammal Curator Marcie McCaffray. are conducted regularly for school It was originally developed as an children and staff as well as for ONE GIANT LEAP educational facility associated with members, volunteers, and visitors. At the time the Zoo was first the Cougar Mountain Academy, a Internships for college undergradu- developed, a common strategy of private elementary school, also founded by Rittler in 1962. As the Zoo grew, it was opened to the public by arrangement. The Zoo ForpusAYiary.com quickly became so popular that it Pacific Parrotlets: Pastel Isabel Fallow was opened free to the public and Blue Lutino Yellow separated from the Academy, becoming a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) Pastelblue Fallowblue Isabelblue tax-exempt, charitable organization Albino White in 1987. In 1988, admission fees were established as part of the pro­ Web site: http://www.ForpusAviary.com Phone 202-256-0417 gram to generate financial support E-mail: [email protected] Washington, DC for the Zoo. CMZ receives no pub­ lic funds and is supported solely 1 am interested in purchasinK new mutations! through admission and program the afa WATCHBIRD 39 zoos large and Inall seems to have THE AVIAN WORLDS approximately the san1e 111easure been to collect as many different Avians in these Worlds are as that of fresh foods, the birds anilnal specie a possible - primarily dOlnestically raised speci­ con 'Ulne more fresh foods than described by Rittler as a "Noah' men . For the mo t pal1, they are pellets. To ensure the birds are tak­ Ark" philosophy. CMZ al 0 collect­ doing well in a viculture and their ing in appropriate nutrition, fresh ed a large and varied number of nU111bers in captivity are stable or food are offered in cycles. As a animals. However, in 1996 the CMZ on the rise. Breeding at CMZ does silnplified exalnple, calciuln foods Master Plan's philosophy wa not take place for the purpose of may be a focus in the food dish revised in favor of maintaining a increasing the nUlnbers of these one day, then beta carotene food smaller, more focused collection endangered species. It takes place the next, and so forth. concentrating on endangered to further the quality of life for the Treats (fresh food and nuts) pecie . bird , and to provide a n1eans to offered while the birds are on By specializing in selected replenish the birds in the collection exhibit, to encourage, praise, or species, the Zoo could achieve a - through trade or breeding loan reward behaviors, are accounted higher level of quality-of-life for the with other zoological institutions, for in the diet. animals and meet its goals of edu­ The birds' lnedical and physi­ cation and con erva tion 1110re cal needs are overseen by the effectively. Zoo's Medical Director, Dr. Charles As some of the facilitie are Watson, as well as other avian vet­ now about twenty-eight year old erinarian as needed. Strict hygiene it is ti111e to modernize - to bring protocols are adhered to. Stainless the concept and goals of the Zoo steel food and water bowls are dis­ into fresh perspective. New habitat, infected and changed daily. The exhibit and grounds designs incor­ exhibits and surrounding area are porate the most current information washed and raked free of food or available. They will further improve other debris several tilnes each day. life at the Zoo for the anilnal , facil­ Keeping outdoor aviaries, itating care and maintenance for especially those with natural the Zoo staff and enhancing the ground cover, clean and sanitalY is educational experience and enjoy­ a labor-intensive task. The cleanli­ ment of the visitors. ness of the CMZ is a source of As each new facility is COln­ pride for Director Rittler and hi pleted, the anilnals will be moved staff. When asked how the exhibits from their current exhibits into the were kept clean and sanitary new ones. They will be given a Rittler and later, Bird Curator Laura period of adjustm nt, then their old Marshall sin1ilarly, replied 'You home will be removed. have to clean, clean, clean, and Bird Curator Laura Marshal! with a then you have to clean." THE WORLDS fav011te bird, the Hyacinth Macaw Although in a state of change, THE WORLD OF CRANES the anilnal collection Master Plan or within CMZ itself - elin1ina ting The World of Cranes currently projects seven Worlds within CMZ, any need to collect birds from the consists of Sirsa a female Sarus two of which are Avian World. wild for thi purpose. Crane (Crus antigone) and a sn1a11 Currently, all aviaries stand flock of East African Crown d World of Mountain Lions independently, and are of dif~ rent Cranes (Balearica pavon ina gib­ World of Reindeer designs having been constructed berfrons). A third Gru pecies, the World of Lemurs as the Zoo developed and the col­ White-Naped Crane (Crus vipio) World of Cheetahs lection grew. Indoor facilities for all will be added to the collection at a World of Antelope avians contain food and water sta­ later date. The current Crane and World of Cranes tions, light and heat, and where Elnu outdoor habitats are made of World of Large Macaw applicable, nesting facilities. 1.5" C3.7cm) chain-link fabric with The Zoo's nutritional policies open tops and concrete or stone And there are special place and procedures dictate that the features. The ground cover is con1- for the other birds and n1ammals birds' diets include pelleted foods pact dirt and granulathic. which have been at the Zoo for a and itamin supplen1ents. Pellets The World of Cranes is pro­ long tin1e: Forn10sa Elk, Alpacas, are available to the birds at all jected to grow to ten to fourteen En1us , and a variety of p ittacines. tiines. The birds are also offered individuals. The new facility, cur­ Come with Director Peter fre h fruits and vegetables, and rently in planning stages, will Rittler, Curator of Bird Laura nuts in proportions necessalY to incorporate four outdoor habitats Marshall and me on a virtual tour the species and to the health needs with sen1i-open tops. The naturali - of the Avian Worlds of tl1e Cougar of the individual bird. Although the tic landscaping plan for these spe­ Mountain Zoo! amount of pelleted food offered is cialized habitat includes trees, 40 Fourth Quarter 2002 bushes, grass, sand, and rocks. A cranes, Sarus are well known for Nam, symbolizing fidelity, long life, support building will contain envi­ their leaping "dance" and "call" dis­ and happiness. Sarus Cranes are ronment-controlled indoor habitats, plays. Dances seem to occur when also believed to bear worthy souls kitchen and nursery facilities, and the birds are generally excited, not to heaven. Sarus Cranes are omniv­ feeding areas. Opportunities for just during courtship and breeding. orous, and in their native range are viewing and photography will be The dancing seems to be "conta­ often kept in gardens to destroy excellent, and some viewing areas gious" - when one bird starts danc­ pests such as insects, snakes and will be covered. ing, many others follow. mice. They may also consume crop As these cranes have similar Individuals, pairs, or even an entire plants, which can put them at odds dietary and environmental needs, as flock may dance. Pairs also dance with farmers. Though they are held described in the following brief synchronously. When birds call, in high regard, Sarus are endan­ species profiles, they work well they extend their necks, standing gered. together as part of a focused exhibit. erect with wings folded and pri­ The population of the Sarus is mary feathers drooping down. The estimated to be between 8,000 and Sarus Cranes call is complex and ululating, and 10,000 birds. Of these, about 1,700 Sirsa was raised from a chick is quite loud. are found in the Western Indian by Rittler along with two other Sarus Cranes are the tallest of state of Gujarat. Sarus Cranes' pre­ female Sarus Cranes not at CMZ. all flying birds, standing up to ferred nesting habitat is wetlands, Whenever Sirsa hears Rittler's foot­ seven feet tall (2.15m), weighing however two successive monsoon steps or sees him approaching, she about 18 pounds (8.18kg) with a failures (1999/2000) have resulted begins to "dance," prancing and wingspan of about 10 feet (3.08m). in many of these areas drying up. springing into the air, extending The Sarus is almost exclusive to the Subsequently, there has been little and folding her neck and wings, Indian subcontinent, although they or no food on which to raise and calling to him. He pauses to can be found across Indochina, the chicks, and the cranes' nests, which greet her affectionately and calls Philippines, and in recent decades, the birds construct on rises protect­ back to her. Sirsa responds and fol­ Northern Australia. ed by water, have been exposed to lows him for as far as her enclosure In their native lands, Sarus predation by natural predators, will allow as we continue on our Cranes are generally held in high dogs and humans. This, coupled way. esteem by humans - they are con­ with the use of toxic pesticides, Like others of the 15 types of sidered sacred in India, and in Viet pumping of lakes for drinking

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the afa WATCHBIRD 41 water, and habitat encroachment World of Cranes will be the White- omnivorous, consun1ing such itetns are taking a toll on the population aped Crane (Crus vipio). as sedge tubers, seeds, insects of the cranes. According to the American Zoo worms and alnphibians. According to a Gu jarat and Aquarium Association's (AZA) Human persecution and habi­ Ecological Education and Research Species urvival Plan (SSP) 1998 tat destruction are cited as likely to (GEER) Foundation survey in 19 9, Fact Sheet the White-Naped is con­ be the primary causes for decline the Sarus Crane population was sidered to be the fourth rarest in thi crane's nUlnbers. In an about 1,878 birds. In a subsequent crane in the world with a popula­ attempt to save the White-naped, study relea ed in 1999, the popula­ tion of only 4,900 to 5,300 birds. It there are currently 36 institutions tion had fallen to 1 730 birds. The is listed as an Appendix I pecies participating in the SSP in North SalUS Crane is on the endangered by CITES and a vulnerable America, managing their target list of the global conservation population of 90 birds. Since 1994, agency IUCN and was included in AZA institutions have been sending chedule IV of the Indian Wildlife urplus White-naped Crane eggs to (Protection) Act, 1972. Russia as part of a plan to rear the GEER Director H . . Singh was chicks and relea e then1 into the quoted in the ovelnber, 2000 wild. Wild cranes are reluctant to Times of India Online a hopeful utilize habitats near civilization, regarding the future of the SalUS and it is hoped that chick that Crane commenting "All that is have been somewhat accustomed required is to make people aware of to human will not prove as hesi­ the threat to this wonderful speCies tant. The AZA advises that the [italics mine] UAN ). " (The Times selni-wild cranes have successfully of India Online· Health/ Science· migrated and returned to raise ovember 24,2000). young. The release progran1 i being adjusted to decrease the East African Crowned Cranes in1printing and socialization of The mall flock of Crowned chicks to hUlnans in response to Cranes strut on long, stately legs. this positive developlnent. They raise their slender necks, their The White-naped Crane has white and red face patche and been designated a national lTIOnU­ bri tling, golden crown feathers ment in both Korea and Japan. gleaming above their grey necks Sanctuaries have been created in and dark bodies in a shaft of sun­ these countries and a 'sistance is light. They ob erve us a we pass provided to the birds through feed­ by their exhibit, partially hidden ing progran1s. The Den1ilitarized from view by thick, trimn1ed bush- Zone itself is a benefit to the cranes es. as it is free of development how­ Interestingly, the Crowned ever growth along the borders of Crane is one of the few melnbers the Zone negatively affect th wet­ of the family Gruidae that roo t in land habitat of wintering cranes. tree . Also of interest is the internal The AZA is hopeful that "contin­ anatomy of the trachea. While all ued public education programs, irsa, the SarliS Crane cranes have a long trachea, that of such as those reaching zoo visitors, the Crowned Crane is five feet species by the IUCN Red Data will encourage further crane (1.5m) in length, half of which is Book. awareness and conservation." [ital­ coiled within the breastbone. The The natural range of this crane ics mine] great length of this structure is Inar hland, wetland, and Hooded At thi time the Zoo is not enables the crane to give calls that n1eadow of Manchuria, Mongolia, planning to participate in the can carry a lnile or more. (San the Alnur River ba in of Eastern breeding and relocation plan of the Antonio Zoo: Crowned Cranes) Russia, the Detnilitarized Zone in AZA. White-napes at CMZ will act Crowned Crane ' are not as South Korea, Poyang Lake in a an1bassador of their species, tall a aru Crane, reaching a China, and Kyushu, Japan. heightening our awarenes of the height of about five feet (1. 54m). Like other cranes, they have importance of their conservation Like the Saru Cranes, they are elaborate courtship rituals, includ­ and that of their natural habitat. omnivorous con ulning such item ing dancing displays and calling as in ects, frog , worn1 eeds and during their sun1mer breeding sea­ A SPECIAL PLACE FOR E MUS roots across the grasslands and son. Like the Sarus Crane, they EITIUS (Dromaius novaehol­ wetlands of their hOlne - Africa, build elevated ne ts on a small rise landiae) browse along a large south of the Sahara. surrounded by water as protection enclosure containing a central White-naped Crane fron1 predators. While they are pri­ rocky basalt forn1ation and, in the The third Inelnber of the Inarily v getarians, they are also back, their indoor habitat. The 42 Fourth Quarter 2002 males i r nliniscent of a long, wiry crew cut. Th females' cr sts are curlier affectionately d scribed as "frizzy' by Marshall. Walter mo ys up to the enclosure fence to ee what the hunlans are doing. The low, thrunlnling vocalization f the Emus vibrate in the cool Inisty I aquah air. I say, "Emu are noted for running. Do these birds run inside th ir enclosure?" Marshall answer, "Oh ye ! You hould the In run inside their exhibit. Th y can r ally go! " The Z 0 houses two pairs of Emus. Although not one of th des­ ignated Worlds, the Elnu have been popular nlelnb rs of th avian program. Th current plan i to retain thenl as palt of the a ian collection. Elnu are the laroest bird inhabiting Australia weighing up to 115 pound C52.3kg) and stand­ ing about 5'6" in height (1.69nl). They are second in size only to the Ostrich. The wings of the EnlU are the nlallest of all the flightles Eas! African Crowned Cranes birds for its siz , bein only about one-tenth the length of it body. exhibit ha ' the ~ 1 of a broad race­ The feath rs of the EnlU are inter­ Aboue you see an excellent young track. The nlale, including one e. ting. For exanlple, some have female Hyacinth named 'Manduvi" nanled Walter, ar a little snla11 r two shafts. Due to the structure of who was hatched on 13 Nlarch 1999 than the felnales, which is norn1al their feath rs, fronl a short distanc in the aviary belou uhere her parents "Cocha " and 'Bamba " still reside. for Emus. The Ina11 fuzzy crest of the birds bodie appear to b cov­ feathers on top of th heads of the ote the weatherproof enclosure ered with long hair. behind the huge open-air flight .. The EnlUS are running birds that birds can pass from inside to outside inhabit open woodland, scrub and and back at will or be restricted to grassland. They can reach speeds one section or the other by the keepers.

Lupe, the Thick-billed Parrot th afa WATCHBIRD 43 Artwork for 2002! - The Baby Birds - - Flying Cuban Macaws - - Cuban Macaw on Vine -

Newest Visit our website for more merchandise & information: CITES Lapel Pins $6.75 each www.afa.birds.org Shipping & Handling Rates Over $200 add 15% of Up to $7 - $ 2.50 Total Ord er. Add $3 to $ 7.01 - $ 16 - $4 each category for ship­ $16.01 - $ 30 - $6 ping outside of United $30.01 - $ 40 - $8 States (surface mail) . $40.01 - $ 50 - $10 $50.01 - $ 70 - $12 Visa • MasterCard $70.01 - $100 - $15 American Express $100.01-$150-$20 accepted $150.01 - $200 - $25 of up to 40mph (SOkph) for short (Am glaucogularis). The plan for construction facilitates climbing, distances and their stride can be 9 the future includes acquisition of which the occupants seem to feet (2.77m) in length. They can additional Red-fronted and Blue­ enjoy. also swim. Emus consume green­ throated Macaws. A few steps past the Emu food, flowers, fruits and insects, In addition to the large exhibit, down a neat, pea-gravel especially relishing grasshoppers macaws, other parrots at the CMZ path we come across the first two and caterpillars. They must ingest include: one pair and two individ­ of three largest of the eleven stones to aid the gizzard in diges­ ual African Greys (Psittacus eritha­ Macaw aviaries. These two aviaries tion of food. Emu eggs are a beau­ cus erithacus), two DoubleYellow­ are 9' wide x IS' long x 11' high tiful green/blue color reminiscent headed Amazons (Amazona C2.77m x 4.62m x 3.38m), large of lapis-lazuli. Although eggs are ochrocephala oratrix), one Tres enough to allow their paired occu­ produced, Emus at CMZ are not Marias Amazon (A. o. tresmariae), pants several leisurely wingbeats of presently allowed to raise young. one Yellow-collared Macaw (Ara flight from one end to the other. auricol!is), one Thick-billed Parrot The first aviary's current residents WORlD OF LARGE MACAWS (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha) and are a pair of Blue and Gold This World is the largest of the one Moluccan Cockatoo (Cacatua Macaws. The next aviary houses Avian Worlds and the primary moluccensis). These parrots will local celebrity Green-winged Avian focus of the Zoo. Currently, remain part of the CMZ's avian col­ Macaws, Rocky and Rosie. Straight this collection consists of twenty­ lection and exhibits. ahead is the third and largest seven macaws: two pair and four Outdoor Parrot facilities are aviary, measuring 18' wide x 28' individual Blue and Golds (Ara constructed on raised high-density long x 13' high (S.54m x 8.62m x ararauna), two pair and two indi­ concrete and are completely 4.0m). This aviary is home to vidual Green-wingeds (Ara enclosed in I" (2.5cm) chain-link Hyacinth pair Cocha and Bamba. chloroptera), one pair and two fabric. Aviaries are of several sizes Cocha, a female on loan from the individual Hyacinths to accommodate the different sizes San Antonio Zoo, is one of the (A nodorhynch us hyacinthinus), of the occupants. They are wild-caught residents of the CMZ. one pair and one individual Scarlet equipped with uncomplicated Rocky and Rosie, who are experi­ (Ara macao), one pair and one perching and swinging devices enced parents, fostered Cocha and individual Military (Ara militaris), containing easily replaceable Bamba's first offspring, a female two individual Red-fronted (Am untreated pine 2x3 (Scm x 7.5cm) named Manduvi, hatched on March rubrogenys) and one Blue-throated lumber for chewing. The chain-link 13, 1999 who also resides at CMZ.

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All rules and staff ensure visitors do The first is a variety of unrestrained the parrots in this exhibit are un­ not touch, feed or tease the parrots (wings clipped) macaws attended paired. Green-wingeds Tambo and or any other animal in the zoo." and supervised by staff and volun­ Pata, Blue and Golds Chiquita, Rio, Manduvi, the-young Hyacinth, teer keepers. Their perches are Ejea and Oiseau, Scarlet Kiwi, and is brought out to meet me along made of untreated pine 2x3s (Scm Hyacinth Payaso are out and with her album of "baby pictures" x 7. Scm) for chewing, and the appear to enjoy the human visitors taken from hatching through pres­ enclosure is topped with a pre­ as much as we are enjoying them. ent. The respect for, pride in, and formed aluminum dome roof to Tambo and Pata are avian gym­ dedication to care for Manduvi and provide some protection from the nasts and maneuver themselves to for all the avian collection, so elements. Protocols are in place to hang upside down from one claw, apparent in all of my visits to CMZ, ensure the birds remain comfort­ twisting as if to watch the reactions really shines through. "We give all able outside, and the environment of the visitors. Payaso holds one our birds a name," says Marshall. on this somewhat cool and rainy wing coyly up to his turned face "The Zoo is a great size for getting day is monitored. The parrots will and says "peekaboo!" in a childlike to know the individual personali­ be returned to their indoor habitats voice. He seems to take delight ties of all the birds and relating well if the weather reaches determined when visitors mimic him as they to them. We feel this special rela­ limits or if the birds seem to be peer over their jackets or hands. tionship is one of our strengths. uncomfortable. Any parrot who Chiquita is another CMZ celebrity. Some of the birds are especially seems to be uncomfortable on She waves one foot in a "princess comfortable with groups of people, exhibit for any reason is removed wave" and then waves her wing in or do well in groups when with and returned to an off-exhibit a broad hello. Kiwi is very digni­ certain of their keepers. These are aviary or the indoor habitat. Not all fied, and munches a "cracker" (pis­ the birds selected to go on parrots are always on exhibit at the tachio nut). Outreach programs to schools or same time. The birds are rotated to Across the path, a pair of other groups in the community." ensure there is plenty of opportu­ Military Macaws blush and court in Farther down the path is a nity for eating, drinking, and just to their aviary. "This open-perch second exhibit of parrots in have some time-out from being on exhibit gives visitors a chance to be enclosed habitats - also un-paired exhibit. close to the parrots and ask ques- birds. These are primarily the non­ Macaw psittacine residents although the Yellow-collared and the Red-fronteds are exhibited here. The exhibit begins with Molu, AP"'S the celebrity Moloccan Cockatoo. AMERICAN PHEASANT &WATERFOWL SOCIID Each parrot in this exhibit has an individual suspended enclosure with food and water dishes and a BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP: 2x3 (Scmx7.scm) untreated pine • Subscription to APWS Magazine perch. The Yellow-collared Macaw, - 10 issues per year packed with informative articles one of the Red-fronteds, two African Greys, two Double Yellow­ • Free "wanted" ads headeds, the Tres Marias Amazon, - Or advertise your birds through our low-priced and the Thick-billed Parrot are classifieds entertained by visitors and wild • Listing in Membership Directory birds building nests in clumps of - Make information about you and your birds available bamboo and thick, trimmed bushes to all APWS members dotting their exhibit. I ask Marshall, "What would • Invitation to Annual Convention you like to communicate to peo­ - Each year the APWS chooses a new location for ple about your Parrot program?" their convention, which includes tours, speakers, She answers, "in addition to our and the opportunity to meet with fellow aviculturists. focus on education and conser­ vation, I would like to be sure MEMBERSHIP people know our Zoo environ­ OR WRITE FOR AN APPLICATION: ment is a very special place. We APPLICATION APWS clo Lloyd Ure don't want visitors to go away ONLINE: with the perception that they can W2270 US Hwy. 10 now go out and buy a macaw www3.upatsix.com/apws Granton, WI 54436 and aT-stand or cage and set it 46 Fourth Quarter 2002 up in the living room along the will measure 10' wide x 40' long same lines as we have in these x 10' high (3.0Sm x 12.31m x exhibits and expect the parrot 3.0Sm). The smaller outdoor Magnolia Bird will be happy just staying on it or flights will measure 10' wide x in it. For example there are no 16' long x 10' high C3.0Sm Farm toys in the exhibit enclosures. xS2.0m x 3.0Sm). Glass sides will This is mostly to encourage the provide shelter from wind while We birds to interact with people and allowing visitors optimal oppor­ the sights and sounds around tunity to observe the birds. Buy them. Behavior enrichment Larger indoor flights will Birds equipment is provided in off­ measure S' wide x 23' long x 10' exhibit habitats. Non-toxic trees high (2.46m x 7.0Sm x 3.0Sm). • and plants that might 'dress up' The smaller indoor flights will We the look inside the exhibits measure 7' wide x S' long x 10' Sell would quickly be destroyed by high (2.1 Sm x 2.46m x 3.0Sm). the birds, requiring constant The complex will also include an replacement on a large scale. Soil atrium area with 24 outdoor the trees or plants are potted in open-perch exhibits for close­ might contain contaminants or encounter viewing. 8990 Cerritos Ave. foreign objects. All our plantings In addition to food and Anaheim, CA 92804 are outside the exhibits. At our water stations in all habitats, (714) 527-3387 Zoo, the birds get a lot of exer­ each indoor habitat will include cise and social interaction with behavior enrichment equipment 12200 Magnolia Ave. the keepers every day both on and bathing facilities, lighting Riverside, CA 92503 and off exhibit. The exhibit birds and radiant heating. The com­ (909) 278-0878 are 'entertained' by vlsltors, plex will include nursery and (closed for vacation, first 2 weeks of August) other exhibit birds, and aspects medical facilities. Pairs will be of the environment - wind, provided specially constructed OPEN 9 TO 5 DAILY Closed Sun., Mon. & holidays clouds, rain, and sunshine. The boot style nest boxes with paired birds interact with removable panels, seamless humans, each other, and their frames, and video surveillance chicks. Parrots are intelligent and cameras. As we look at the blue­ require mental stimulation, social prints and discuss the details, interaction and room to exer­ Rittler, Marshall and the Zoo staff cise." are excited about the improve­ The future World of Macaws ments for the Large Macaws and complex has passed the planning for all the planned World and permit stages. Although the upgrades. Zoo does not yet have all of the The strong forces of dedica­ projected cost of $1.2 million, tion to quality, education and construction of some of the com­ conservation are reshaping the ponents has begun. The complex Cougar Mountain Zoo, but will consist of fourteen indoor nowhere in the new plans will and fourteen outdoor flights the individual attention to V1Sl­ arranged into a rectangular con­ tors, professional pride of the crete and block building. There staff, or the intimate, relaxed will also be two separate large quality of the Zoo be diminished. aviaries. The floors will be con­ Thanks for coming on this Amy B. Worell, DVM structed of high-density concrete, virtual tour with us. The next Diplomate, American Board of' Veterinary Practitioners with specially designed drainage time you are in the Seattle, Certified in Avian Practice in each habitat to facilitate clean­ Washington area, take some time ing and sanitation. Each habitat to enjoy a real visit to the Cougar (818) 883-2600 will include windows to allow Mountain Zoo. All these Worlds www.yonrpets.com sunlight into the enclosures, and more will welcome you. misting equipment, and guillo­ To find out more about the Mon. 7-8 Tue.-Fri.7-6 Sat. 7-2 tine doors for the protection of Cougar Mountain Zoological 7606 Fallbrook Ave., the birds. Park, please call (425) 391-SS0S West Hills, CA 91304 All flights will be enclosures or visit their website at: Referrals for all exotics of 1" (2. Scm) stainless steel http://www.cougarmountainzoo.org are welcome mesh. The larger outdoor flights .:. the afa WATCHBIRD 47