Tourism News South Africa

Flocking together at Jozi's zoo

The Johannesburg Zoo's unique and colourful birds species have always fascinated many people. Birds have been the inspiration behind many history and religious books, fairytales, nursery rhymes and have inspired man to fly. The Johannesburg Zoo has 644 individual birds which range from the critically endangered Wattled Cranes to the more common Cockatoo.

On 25 May 2012 the Johannesburg Zoo will be celebrating their feathered friends by bringing 1 000 school children to have fun, educate and meet some of the zoo's birds at the Eco Bird Day. Watch as they get up close and personal with the zoo's owls, Gerry or Stentson, with their giant but silent wings. The owls will be present and showing off their beautiful plumage during the owl talk where the children will hear amazing stories about these nocturnal birds.

Making owl boxes

Eco Solutions, a conservation organisation will teach the children how to make a difference towards the declining owl population by showing them how to make owl boxes. The children will learn how to make the boxes and use this knowledge to contribute towards the conservation of these animals.

The bio-facts table will appease any curious child, as they will be able to engage their senses as they touch, see and smell the different bird feathers, view their skeletons, eggs and see where they live. No bird day can be complete without discussing beaks and bills. The beak-and-bill talk and demonstration will captivate the children as they learn about the different ways birds use their beaks and bills.

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