The “Wings of Wonder” Bird Show, which started in 1983 by Gary Denzler, was one of the country’s earliest bird shows. The show originally consisted of only a few birds.
Today, the show consists of twenty-four different species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. They perform a variety of behaviors from flying, calling, mimicking, climbing, and outsmarting their trainers. Some of the show animals include an Emu, Black-Footed Penguin, Hyacinth Macaw, American Alligator, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Bald Eagle, Barn Owl, and Stellar’s Sea Eagle.
Wings of Wonder Bird Show at the Zoo
Come see the Bird Show in action at the Zoo. Our shows are located at the Great American Wings of Wonder Amphitheater and are free with admission to the Zoo. Don’t miss this educational and entertaining look at some of the zoo’s exotic animals.
When is the Bird Show at the Zoo available?
- May 28- September 5, 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm, except on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Purchase your Zoo admission tickets online and come see the Bird Show.Learn More >
Traveling Bird Show
The Bird Show staff offers traveling shows that are great for all ages, organizations and events.
Questions? or to register contact the Bird Show (513) 475-6105 or email ed.annal@cincinnatizoo.org
| Topic | Description | Available | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| The BIG Show | For large audiences, this humorous theatrical production involves eights species of trained animals, and two trainers. | Nov.-March | $300 |
| Close-Encounter Show | For smaller audiences, involves four species of animals, one trainer, and is more informal then the BIG Show. | Year round | $100- weekdays
$150- weekends |
| Bird Appearances | 1 hour appearances with 21 different species of birds to choose from. Any combination of 4 birds, Including hawks, owls, parrots, kookaburras, and penguins. Great for parties, events, and trade shows. | Year round | $130 |
| Eagle Appearances | 1 hour Eagle appearance. Also great for parties, events, and trade shows | Year round | $130 |
Traveling Bird Show Standards for Schools 
Bird Show - OH Academic Standards (PDF)
Bird Show - KY Academic Standards (PDF)
Bird Show - IN Academic Standards (PDF)
"Sam" Takes Flight at Great American Ball Park
“Sam,” the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s eight-year-old bald eagle is preparing for his five special flights during the 2011 season at Great American Ball Park. Sam will fly more than 300 feet from the Riverboat Deck in center field to his trainer’s glove in the infield. He will perform his first flight during the singing of the National Anthem on the May 28th game.
Since Sam made his Major League debut in 2003, he has flown in 40 games and is in his 8th season for the Reds. Sam is one of the only bald eagles in the country trained to fly in stadiums. Watch the Video!
At just several months old, Sam was found along side a road in Michigan with a wing injury due to collision with a power line in 2000. Michigan State University veterinarians patched the broken wing, but the injury limited Sam’s ability to fly well enough to survive in the wild.
The bald eagle is on the road to recovery thanks to protection of the eagle and its habitat, the banning of harmful pesticides such as DDT, and the reintroduction of captive-bred
eagles, including 16 from the Cincinnati Zoo, back into the wild.
Sam's 2011 Flight Dates at Great American Ball Park:
- Check back soon for a list of dates.
90-Second Naturalist 
