Ben Hensley<\/a><\/p>\nThen: A $2.2 million vision<\/p>\n
When the Fresno Chaffee Zoo opened its Tropical Rainforest Aviary on May 14, 1988, it was a landmark moment for the institution. The project, spearheaded by zoo director and namesake Dr. Paul Chaffee, gave visitors an immersive, up-close encounter with rainforest birds inside a 55-foot-high, half-acre structure covered in netting.<\/p>\n
Chaffee, who died in 1990, formed a docent group called the Rain Forest Rangers to guide guests and protect animals inside the exhibit. His wife Jean Chaffee recalled the experience on social media after the closure announcement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe alerted guests to keep their mouths closed when looking up at the birds,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Now: Standards have changed<\/p>\n
Thirty-eight years later, the zoo says the aviary no longer meets its standards for bird welfare and safety. The exhibit will close July 5, 2026, with birds relocated to other aviaries within the zoo or placed at other institutions.<\/p>\n
The space won\u2019t sit empty. The zoo plans to reopen it as a new, non-animal feature, though details have not been announced.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs animal care and building standards continue to evolve, it is important that our institution evolve with them,\u201d said Fresno Chaffee Zoo CEO Jon Forrest Dohlin. \u201cThe Rainforest has been a large part of the Zoo\u2019s history, and we recognize that guests have made many memories here.\u201d<\/p>\n
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![\"zoo](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/chaffee_aviary_sequence.png\")
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