FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery single time we come, we like to go in that area because of the mist and the tropical birds,\u201d said zoo visitor Noemi. \u201cEven the macaws and parrots, they like to come up to you. It\u2019s something special.\u201d<\/p>\n
Noemi says she was heartbroken when she learned the exhibit would soon be gone.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that they should definitely renovate it because it\u2019s been there for a long time, and it\u2019s definitely something that people come to the zoo just to see,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
According to the zoo, the aviary has become outdated and no longer meets current standards for the safety and well-being of both animals and staff.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.<\/p>\n
Still, some community members believe demolition is the wrong approach.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat they want is they want to build something new instead of something we enjoy,\u201d said Cody Windwalker, a former zoo volunteer.<\/p>\n
Windwalker has launched a petition <\/a>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<\/a> approved by voters to support improvements at the zoo and Chaffee Park.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are too many memories tied to that rainforest,\u201d Windwalker said. \u201cIt\u2019s absurd that these people collecting tax money from us aren\u2019t listening to us now. We\u2019ve tried reaching out to the zoo ourselves and haven\u2019t heard anything back.\u201d<\/p>\n Windwalker hopes to gather as many signatures as possible before the Fresno Chaffee Zoo Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday at 9 am<\/a>. He is encouraging residents who oppose the plan to attend and voice their concerns.<\/p>\n