CONTACT: Rod Hackney
FOR RELEASE: April 26, 2000 Telephone:
336-879-7204
Zoo to Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day
ASHEBORO—The arrival of spring brings the annual migration of
millions of birds from winter habitats in southern climates to their
summer breeding grounds and habitats across North America.
To mark this crucial yearly journey, the North Carolina Zoological
Park will join with more than 100 other U.S. zoos as well as several
federal agencies in the eighth annual celebration of International
Migratory Bird Day (IMBD). A number of special events and bird-related
activities are planned for zoo visitors throughout the day on Saturday,
May 13.
IMBD was launched in 1993 by the SmithsonianMigratory Bird Center
(MBC) at the National Zoo with support from Partners in Flight, a consortium of individuals and groups
concerned with healthy bird populations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS), the National Fish and Wildlife Association, the
American Zoo and Aquarium Association and other national conservation
organization have since joined in the effort to raise public awareness
of the need for bird conservation.
This year's featured bird for IMBD is the peregrinefalcon, a species
exhibited at the N.C. Zoo which suffered a severe population decline
after World War II in part due to pesticide use. In 1973, the peregrine
came under the protection of the Endangered Species Act, which
prohibited the capture or killing of the species, regulated the use of
pesticides and activated restoration programs. Now, populations of the peregrine falcon are estimated at more than 1600
pairs in the U. S. and Canada. In August of last year, USFWS was able to
remove the peregrine falcon from the list of endangered and threatened
species.
At the N.C. Zoo, IMBD events will take place in various locations
around the park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Among the activities planned is a
Migration Passport Game in which visitors can win prizes for answering
bird-related questions contained in a special passport booklet. Other
events will include: stations where visitors can learn bird-watching
techniques; birdhouse building, storytelling, chalk drawings and other
games for kids; bird feeder demonstrations; and information booths on
ecologically friendly crops, invasive plants, attracting beneficial
wildlife and the impact of domestic cats on bird populations.
In addition to these activities, N.C. Zookeepers will be stationed
at a number of the park’s bird habitats to interpret the exhibits and
answer visitor questions. For more information on IMBD or other special
events, call the zoo’s toll-free number at 1-800-488-0444.
The zoo is located on Zoo Parkway (N.C. 159) six miles southeast of
Asheboro off U.S. 220 and U.S. 64. Operating hours April through October
are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for
children 2-12 and senior citizens. Free admission is one benefit of
membership in the N.C. Zoological Society.
The zoo is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and
Natural Resources, Bill Holman, Secretary.
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