Wings of the World to Open During the Year of the Bird

Posted March 20, 2018

Hundreds of organizations have come together to officially designate 2018 as the the Year of the Bird, which is especially fitting for us here at the Cincinnati Zoo as we plan to reopen our newly reinterpreted Wings of the World building in early April.

Wings of the World under renovation (Photo: Shasta Bray)
Wings of the World under renovation (Photo: Shasta Bray)

Planning for this project began several years ago, yet physical alterations of the space began only a few months ago. The first order of business was demolition. We removed all of the old signage and interactives as well as the carpeting.

Removing old signage at Wings of the World (Photo: Shasta Bray)
Removing old signage at Wings of the World (Photo: Shasta Bray)

And we also reduced the amount of rockwork, planters and walls in the public space to open the floorplan a bit. This should make it easier for everyone to navigate, especially on busier days.

Wings of the World early construction
Wings of the World early construction

While the majority of the birds were transferred to temporary housing elsewhere in the building or Zoo, the penguins, puffins and other polar birds had a front row seat to the whole renovation.

Penguins inspect the renovation (Photo: Shasta Bray)
Penguins inspect the renovation (Photo: Shasta Bray)

Once the walls were patched up and smoothed out, the painting began. We are brightening up the building with a much more playful and colorful palette.

Painting phase of Wings of the World project (Photo: Shasta Bray)
Painting phase of Wings of the World project (Photo: Shasta Bray)

And just this week, the installation of our new signage and interactive elements has begun. It’s fun to see what we’ve drawn and built as small-scale models take actual shape in the space.

Interpretive model for Wings of the World (Photo: Shasta Bray)
Interpretive model for Wings of the World (Photo: Shasta Bray)
New Wings of the World signage (Photo: Shasta Bray)
New Wings of the World signage (Photo: Shasta Bray)
Charley Harper-inspired entry wall
Charley Harper-inspired entry wall (Photo: Cody Sowers)
A bird statue to go in Wings of the World (Photo: Display Dynamics)
A bird statue to go in Wings of the World (Photo: Display Dynamics)

We’ve also taken the opportunity while the building has been closed to upgrade the lighting to LED throughout, which will greatly increase the energy efficiency of the facility. In order to accommodate the visual abilities of many bird species, we are also supplementing with UVA-emitting lights and installing new skylights to enhance natural light. Alongside that many of the habitats will also be receiving new vegetation, perching and substrates to maintain a dynamic environment.

Upgrading the bird habitats (Photo: Shasta Bray)
Upgrading the bird habitats (Photo: Shasta Bray)

Once the finishing touches wrap up over the next couple of weeks, the next step will be to return the birds to their habitats and give them time to reacclimate.

Guira cuckoo (Photo: Cassandre Crawford)
Guira cuckoo (Photo: Cassandre Crawford)

It’s been an exciting journey, and I can’t wait to invite guests to experience the new Wings of the World in early April!

This renovation was made possible in part from a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.