Fort Worth Zoo Debuts Parrot Paradise

Parrot Paradise, the Fort Worth Zoo’s first Zoo exhibit to open in three years features more than 600 parrots.

Parrot Paradise is an interactive exhibit which allows guests the opportunity to feed the birds–a rarity in zoos. Featuring both lorikeets, cockatiels and parakeets, Parrot Paradise is a walk- thru aviary complete with a water-filled moat and waterfall.

Adults and children alike are sure to enjoy the opportunity to truly get close to the birds-in fact, most of the birds will land on guests’ arms, head and shoulders.

“Zoo visitors will get a kick out of feeding the lorikeets, which are known as brush-tongued parrots,” said Brad Hazelton, curator of birds. “The birds’ tongues are specially adapted to extract nectar and pollen from flowers, and visitors will have the chance to feel their unique tongue against their finger.

“These birds have been raised and trained in captivity, so they are comfortable and friendly with people and aren’t typically shy when it comes to feeding.

If guests purchase nectar (to feed the lorikeets) and seeds (to feed the cockatiels and parakeets), several birds are likely to flock to guests at one time and perch on them.”