Exciting Changes Happening at the Aviaries

By Kathryn Dudeck, Wildlife Director

Looking back on the history of the aviaries they have come a long way in location and design! In 2002, our large exhibit raptors were moved from their enclosures by Frog Pond to make way for a redesigned and relocated entrance, parking lot, and Admissions area. New aviaries were built in a more centralized location and that is when the current Wildlife Walk began to take shape. For nearly 20 years these aviaries housed many of our raptors until time and weather took their toll on the structures.

Through a very generous donation from longtime CNC supporters Walter and Judy Hoyt, many of our exhibit raptors and the beaver are getting new homes. CNC contracted with SamT Construction to rebuild the aviaries most in need of replacement. It just so happens that the owner of the company was already quite familiar with CNC because his son attended Camp Kingfisher!     

The Great Horned Owls and Red-tailed Hawks have already moved into their new and improved homes. The Barred Owl, Cooper’s Hawk, and Barn Owl aviaries will be complete by the end of 2021. Next up, the beaver house demolition and reconstruction will begin.

The remaining aviaries in need of replacement are the Red-shouldered Hawk and Black Vulture & Turkey Vulture enclosure. It is not an inexpensive endeavor and we would love your support.  If you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation towards the replacement of these two enclosures, please contact Senior Director of Development and Marketing, DeAnn Fordham, at d.fordham@chattnaturecenter.org.

We hope to see you on the Wildlife Walk soon!