The Bronx Zoo Budgie Landing is an interactive exhibit where visitors can get up close and personal with a flock of free-flying budgies, also known as parakeets. This seasonal attraction, open from April to October, offers a unique opportunity to feed and observe these vibrant and social birds in their natural habitat.
Cost and Timings
Accessing the Bronx Zoo Budgie Landing requires an additional fee of $5 per person, on top of the regular Bronx Zoo admission. Each Budgie Landing ticket includes one complimentary seed stick for visitors to feed the birds.
The exhibit is open from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, with the last entry at 4:00 pm. However, it is recommended to visit before 3:00 pm, as the closing time may vary, and the birds may need quiet time towards the end of the day.
Accessibility
The Bronx Zoo Budgie Landing is wheelchair accessible, accommodating both manual and electric wheelchairs. However, electric scooters, including the zoo’s rental ECVs, are not permitted inside the exhibit for the safety of the animals.
Service dogs are also not allowed in the Budgie Landing, as their presence could potentially disturb the birds.
Rules and Regulations
Visitors should be aware that the behavior of the budgies is not guaranteed, and they may or may not choose to interact with the visitors during the visit. Each Budgie Landing ticket includes only one complimentary seed stick, and additional sticks can be purchased separately.
Food and drinks are not allowed inside the exhibit, and strollers are not permitted. Visitors must leave their strollers in the designated parking area before entering the Budgie Landing.
Adult supervision is required, and all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Unique Features
The Bronx Zoo Budgie Landing offers a truly immersive experience, allowing visitors to step into the world of these vibrant and social birds. With up to a thousand budgies flying freely in the exhibit, visitors can witness their natural behaviors, such as feeding, preening, and interacting with one another.
The exhibit features a large, open-air aviary, providing ample space for the budgies to move around freely. Visitors can walk through the aviary, observing the birds up close and even hand-feeding them with the provided seed sticks.
Educational Opportunities
The Bronx Zoo Budgie Landing not only offers a fun and interactive experience but also serves as an educational platform. Visitors can learn about the biology, behavior, and conservation of budgies, as well as their importance in the ecosystem.
The exhibit may also feature informative signage and interactive displays, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of these fascinating birds and their role in the natural world.
Seasonal Attraction
The Bronx Zoo Budgie Landing is a seasonal exhibit, open only from April to October. This timing coincides with the warmer months when the budgies are most active and comfortable in the outdoor environment.
Visiting the Budgie Landing during the peak season can offer the best opportunity to witness the birds in their full glory, with the exhibit’s vibrant colors and lively interactions.
Conclusion
The Bronx Zoo Budgie Landing is a unique and immersive experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with a flock of free-flying budgies. With its additional cost, seasonal availability, and specific rules and regulations, the Budgie Landing is an optional add-on to the regular Bronx Zoo visit, providing a memorable and educational encounter with these social and vibrant birds.