FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — The Fresno Chaffee Zoo announced they will be closing their Tropical Rainforest Aviary after 38 years.
The zoo says although the exhibit is closing they plan to re-open it at a later, undetermined, date as a new non-animal experience.
The Tropical Rainforest Aviary has been at the Zoo since its opening on May 14th, 1988.
Guests have enjoyed the peaceful sounds of waterfalls and watched as birds swam in the pools of this naturalistic exhibit.
The decision to close the exhibit is due to it not meeting the Zoo’s standards for welfare and safety of the birds.
They added that the area was also not a proper working environment for their staff.
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Over time, the exhibit has become outdated and does not support the needs of the animals.
The birds that are housed in the exhibit will be either transferred to another aviary at the zoo, or possibly to other institutions.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo CEO and Zoo Director, Jon Forrest Dohlin. gave the following statement,
As animal care and building standards continue to evolve, it is important that our institution evolve with them. The Rainforest has been a large part of the Zoo’s history, and we recognize that guests have made many memories here. We want to give the people of Fresno a chance to say goodbye to this historic exhibit.
The aviary will officially close on Sunday, July 5th, 2026, and guests are welcomed to visit the exhibit for the last time.