The Aviary and Other Attractions at Chiang Mai Zoo

Also popular, and with good reason, is Chiang Mai Zoo's Nakornping Walk Through Aviary. This massive exhibit consists of a 2.5 acre enclosed space that is home to over 800 birds. After passing through the doors and gates you will arrive inside a huge artificial forest filled with trees, flowers and, of course, birds. At the forest floor it is almost impossible to see the metal netting high above and you really feel as if you are deep in the jungle, complete with river and small waterfall. The aviary was renovated in 2004 and now has more paths, pavilions and open spaces for visitors to relax in. Along the pathways you will find the large ground dwelling birds, such as peacocks, emus and flamingos. As you proceed through the aviary you will find walkways that ascend up through the trees, eventually emerging above the canopy. This multi-level approach allows you to get a first hand look at the birds that occupy different areas of the forest cover. Other popular attractions include Gibbon Island, a series of enclosure-less islands where Gibbons are free to live and breed, the Freshwater Aquarium, home to 60 species of tropical freshwater fish and the Cape Fur Seal Exhibit. A special treat that has recently become available is the Twilight Zoo, a chance to see many of the animals during the time when they are at their most active.