Tropical Rainforest
Video courtesy of Vitro Architectural Glass, the National Aviary’s bird-safe glass partner
The National Aviary’s Tropical Rainforest is an indoor, walk-through habitat, where more than 30 different bird species fly freely. The oldest room in the National Aviary—originally the only room! The Tropical Rainforest underwent a total renovation and reopened in 2018. Today, this impressive space is blooming, with hundreds of lush, green trees and plants—including cacao and coffee—that thrive in the natural light that filters in through more than 3,000 panels of bird-friendly glass.
A stunning 15-foot waterfall spills into tiered ponds where birds bathe and play, and custom-designed perching allows our birds, like two female Hyacinth Macaws, to climb close to you as you pass through. Every detail was designed to mimic a natural rainforest habitat and encourage nesting and other natural behaviors. Along the boardwalk, watch as Snowy Egrets wade in a pond while formerly Extinct-in-the-Wild Guam Rails dart in and out of the foliage nearby, and Victoria Crowned Pigeons stroll by just feet away from you. High up in the canopy, Wookiee, the Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloth, makes his way slowly through the treetops. You may even hear the strange, loud, mooing call of a Capuchinbird, which takes its name from the hooded cloak of a Capuchin monk: the bird’s head is featherless!
The Tropical Rainforest features 3,146 new panes of laminated bird-friendly glass from Vitro Architectural Glass (formerly PPG Glass). The new glass was designed to prevent collision by birds both inside and outside the habitat and maximize ultraviolet (UV) transmittance to help sustain wildlife and plant life throughout the year.
As you make your way through the habitat, learn more about the importance of saving rainforests worldwide!
- For example, one major issue affecting rainforests is habitat loss, caused by unsustainable harvesting practices for products like palm oil. You can help by purchasing products that use sustainable palm oil; just download the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Sustainable Palm Oil Shopping app!
- Another significant issue is deforestation caused by unsustainable coffee farming. Vast areas of forests are cleared to cultivate coffee beans. By choosing bird-friendly coffee, you’re not only enjoying a delicious brew but also supporting the preservation of forests around the globe. Look for the Smithsonian National Zoo’s bird-friendly stamp of approval during your next grocery trip.
Get up close to a sloth by booking a Sloth Encounter!
Book Today!Support your favorite rainforest species, like Hyacinth Macaws and Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloths, with a symbolic adoption! The Adopt-A-Bird program makes a great gift and helps us care for our flock!
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