FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is moving forward with plans to demolish its longtime Tropical Rainforest Aviary, but not everyone is on board with the decision.
The popular exhibit, which has been a fixture at the zoo for nearly four decades, is slated for closure on July 5 as part of the zoo’s long-term master plan. While zoo officials say the aviary no longer meets modern standards for animal and staff safety, many visitors argue the beloved attraction should be restored rather than removed.
The Tropical Rainforest Aviary has welcomed guests for 38 years with its towering 55-foot structure, cascading waterfalls, and diverse collection of tropical birds. For generations of Central Valley families, the exhibit has become a cherished tradition.
“Every single time we come, we like to go in that area because of the mist and the tropical birds,” said zoo visitor Noemi. “Even the macaws and parrots, they like to come up to you. It’s something special.”
Noemi says she was heartbroken when she learned the exhibit would soon be gone.
“I think that they should definitely renovate it because it’s been there for a long time, and it’s definitely something that people come to the zoo just to see,” she said.
According to the zoo, the aviary has become outdated and no longer meets current standards for the safety and well-being of both animals and staff. Officials say the birds currently housed in the exhibit will either be relocated to other aviaries within the zoo or transferred to accredited institutions elsewhere.
Still, some community members believe demolition is the wrong approach.
“What they want is they want to build something new instead of something we enjoy,” said Cody Windwalker, a former zoo volunteer.
Windwalker has launched a petition calling on zoo leaders to restore the aviary rather than tear it down. He argues the project conflicts with the spirit of Measure Z, a Fresno County sales tax approved by voters to support improvements at the zoo and Chaffee Park.
“There are too many memories tied to that rainforest,” Windwalker said. “It’s absurd that these people collecting tax money from us aren’t listening to us now. We’ve tried reaching out to the zoo ourselves and haven’t heard anything back.”
Windwalker hopes to gather as many signatures as possible before the Fresno Chaffee Zoo Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday at 9 am. He is encouraging residents who oppose the plan to attend and voice their concerns.
[RELATED] VOTE: Do you want the Tropical Rainforest Aviary to stay at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo?
FOX26 also reached out to the zoo for comment and is still awaiting a response. Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias, who serves on the zoo board, was also contacted but had not responded by the time of publication.
The Tropical Rainforest Aviary is scheduled to permanently close on July 5.