Nashville Zoo visitors can come face-to-face with more than 50 colorful Australian lorikeet parrots when the zoo's newest habitat, Lorikeet Landing, opens 9 a.m. Saturday, October 8.

 

Lorikeet Landing is a 2,400 square foot aviary which allows Nashville Zoo guests to walk into the habitat where more than 50 Australian lorikeets fly freely inside. Guests have an opportunity to purchase small cups of nectar to feed these brightly colored parrots.

 

 'All of our new exhibits are designed to get our guests as close as possible to our animals," said Rick Schwartz, president of the Nashville Zoo.  'These lorikeets are trained to be close to humans and that offers a great opportunity for an up close experience and possible contact."

 

There are 53 Lorikeet species, including 21 'Rainbow' subspecies, found in Australia, parts of Indonesia and several other islands in the South Pacific. Lorikeet Landing houses six of these 'Rainbow' species. Eating nectar, pollen, flowers, fruits and grains, these small, colorful birds have 'bottle-brush' tongues making it easier for them to extract nectar and pollen from flowers and from the small cups.

 

The new habitat is located near the entrance of the Zoo's African Elephant Savannah which opened in April of this year. Lorikeet Landing is made possible through a contribution and continued support from Zoo Board Chairman Jim Hunt and The Hunt Family Foundation of Nashville.

 

Nashville Zoo offers many animal species found around the world.  These beautiful creatures can be found in equally beautiful habitats like Gibbon Islands, The Unseen New World, Bamboo Trail, the African Elephant Savannah as well as the Hyacinth Macaw, Meerkat and Bongo exhibits.  The Zoo also offers the Grassmere Historic Farm, Critter Encounters petting area and exciting animal shows and programs.

 

Nashville Zoo is accredited by the prestigious American Zoo and Aquarium Association assuring the highest standards of animal care and husbandry.  The Zoo, located at 3777 Nolensville Road, is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.  Admission prices from April through October are $11 for adults, $7 for children 3 to 12, and $9.50 for seniors (65+).  Admission prices from November through March are $8 for adults, $6 for children 3 to 12, and $7 for seniors (65+). All children under the age of 3 are admitted free.  For more information about Nashville Zoo, please call 833-1534 or visit www.nashvillezoo.org.