‘Go Wild, Go Birding’ is theme of International Migratory Bird Day
Islanders are invited to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) at Naples Zoo on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This annual celebration of the incredible journeys of migratory birds will be presented by the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge as well as Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Big Cypress National Preserve, and The Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
With hundreds of celebrations, IMBD is the largest-known bird conservation and education event of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Free materials about migratory birds plus information on birding and great places to bird will be provided while supplies last. Guests will have the opportunity to learn one-on-one with biologists and see live hawks or owls in free flight during the shows.
The theme of IMBD 2011 is “Go Wild, Go Birding” and highlights activities designed to engage youth in bird watching. The celebration sparks awareness of the critical needs of migrating bird populations and fosters an energized culture of environmental stewardship.
To further this, the Zoo features a National Wildlife Federation certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat where guests can learn how they can help our feathered friends. All activities included in regular Naples Zoo admission.
Naples Zoo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Daily presentations include Alligator Bay Feeding, Meet the Keeper Series and Jungle Larry and Safari Jane’s Snakes Alive! Guests also enjoy two premiere presentations in the Safari Canyon theater where they see live animals from feline predators to venomous snakes along with exciting video footage. One of the zoo’s most popular activities is the Primate Expedition Cruise where guests embark on a guided cruise through islands inhabited by monkeys, lemurs and apes.
Naples Zoo welcomes guests daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 4 p.m. It is located at 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, across from the Coastland Center Mall in the heart of Naples. For admission information or to learn more about the zoo, visit www.napleszoo.org or call 239-262-5409.