The outdoor aviary in your Australasia Pavilion is where the Demoiselle Cranes in our care live year-round. Being a large and bird-appropriate space, it provided the opportunity to move the Laughing Kookaburras outside during the warmer seasons.

Natural trees provided perching and shelters were already in place for protection from the elements. The next step was to prepare the space for additional perching near the front of the habitat and window treatments to prevent glass strikes.

Our colleagues in Exhibit Design did an amazing job constructing a portable perch tree with a crate station, so that cooperative behaviours did not deteriorate during the time the kookaburras would be outside.

Jake and Karee adapted quickly to the outdoor space, exploring both on the ground and in the air. They had plenty of room to fly and showed no issues sharing the habitat. Both interacted well with staff and participated in voluntary behaviours like scaling and crating, even while showing off their hunting skills for extra treats. It was a joy for our Guardians, volunteers and guests to watch them fly and enjoy the outdoors.