Spring has returned to Northeast Ohio, and with it flocks of migratory birds. As numerous species of birds return to the area, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will celebrate their arrival with International Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy a day of feathered fun by going beak-to-cheek with some of the Zoo's birds during Get-Close programs, trying to eat like a bird with a game of Be the Beak and comparing their arm spans to the wing spans of birds.
This year's theme is The Power of Partnerships, and it celebrates the collaboration of groups involved in bird conservation. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is one such group that has been involved in projects like the reintroduction of trumpeter swans in Ohio and Andean condors in Venezuela.
Visitors will be able to contribute to local bird conservation efforts by making bird feeders out of recycled plastic bottles and reflective window silhouettes out of compact discs to deter bird collisions.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with extended summer weekend hours. Admission is $10 per person ages 12 and older, $7 for kids ages 2 to 11 and free for children under 2 and Zoo members. Parking is free. Located at 3900 Wildlife Way, the Zoo is easily accessible from Interstates 71, 77, 90 and 480. To learn more, visit clemetzoo.com or call (216) 661-6500.
