Zoo’s Wings of Wonder Visit

Our middle schoolers were in for a treat on Tuesday, 10/29th! The Zoo’s Wings of Wonder team brought by two parrots, a falcon and some rats for students to learn about and see up close. Students learned about how the parrots are alike and different, how they are trained and how the falcon is a nest pirate (but also protector!). How do rats fit into the equation?! Students learned that the common practice of poisoning rodents is actually responsible for many bird deaths — birds may catch/scavenge the poisoned rodents and ingest the poison themselves. The zookeepers also noted that while many think parrots make good pets, they are actually a LOT of work! Domesticated rats, they say, make excellent and clean pets. They’ve just gotten a dirty rap from their feral relatives.