How to Bird Feed at Indianapolis Zoo Aviaries Indianapolis

Feeding birds at the Indianapolis Zoo Aviaries is more than a simple act of offering food—it’s an immersive educational experience that connects visitors with avian life, supports conservation efforts, and fosters a deeper appreciation for biodiversity. While the Indianapolis Zoo does not permit public feeding of birds outside designated programs, its curated bird-feeding encounters offer a rare, supervised opportunity to interact with exotic and native species in a safe, ethical, and scientifically guided manner. Understanding how to participate in these experiences correctly ensures both visitor safety and the long-term health of the birds. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know to engage responsibly with the aviaries at the Indianapolis Zoo, from preparation and timing to behavior and environmental impact.

Step-by-Step Guide

Participating in a bird-feeding program at the Indianapolis Zoo Aviaries requires careful planning and adherence to protocols designed to protect both wildlife and visitors. Follow these steps to ensure a successful and meaningful experience.

Step 1: Research Available Programs

Not all areas of the zoo allow public bird feeding. The zoo offers scheduled, staff-supervised bird-feeding demonstrations in select aviaries, primarily within the “Flight Connection” exhibit and occasionally in the “Primates, Birds & More” zone. Visit the official Indianapolis Zoo website at least 48 hours before your planned visit to review the daily schedule. Look for entries labeled “Bird Feeding Encounter,” “Aviary Interaction,” or “Keeper Talk.” These sessions are typically held once or twice daily, often in the morning between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and again in the afternoon around 2:00 p.m. Times vary seasonally, so always confirm.

Step 2: Purchase or Confirm Admission

General zoo admission grants access to all exhibits, including the aviaries. However, participation in supervised feeding programs is first-come, first-served and does not require an additional fee. Arrive at least 15–20 minutes before the scheduled program to secure a good viewing and participation spot. Popular sessions fill quickly, especially on weekends and during school breaks. If you’re visiting with children, consider arriving early to ensure they can safely observe and participate.

Step 3: Prepare Appropriately

Before approaching the feeding area, remove any food from your pockets or bags. Outside food, including bread, seeds, or fruit, is strictly prohibited near the aviaries. Even seemingly harmless items like crackers or peanut butter can disrupt the birds’ carefully balanced diets. Wear closed-toe shoes and avoid bright, flashy clothing or hats with feathers or ribbons, as these can startle birds. Bring a camera with a zoom lens if you wish to capture the experience—flash photography is not permitted.

Step 4: Listen to Keeper Instructions

When the keeper arrives with the feeding supplies, stand quietly in the designated area. Do not reach toward the birds or make sudden movements. The keeper will explain the species you’ll be feeding, their natural diets, and behavioral cues. Pay close attention to how the keeper handles the food—this is your model for correct technique. In most cases, food is dispensed in small portions on a shallow tray or offered on a long-handled spoon. Never attempt to hand-feed unless explicitly invited by the keeper.

Step 5: Participate Correctly

If you are given the opportunity to assist with feeding, hold the feeding tool steadily and extend it slowly toward the birds. Avoid waving or jerking motions. Let the bird approach you—do not chase or force contact. Some birds, like toucans or hornbills, may be curious and bold; others, like finches or parrots, may remain at a distance. Respect their pace. Feed only the amount the keeper provides. Overfeeding can lead to nutritional imbalances and aggressive behavior among birds.

Step 6: Observe Behavior and Exit Gracefully

After feeding, watch how the birds interact with the food and each other. Note their vocalizations, feeding techniques, and social dynamics. This is part of the educational value of the experience. When the keeper signals the session is ending, step back calmly and allow the birds space to digest. Do not linger near the feeding station or attempt to feed birds after the program concludes. Exit the area quietly to avoid disturbing other visitors or animals.

Step 7: Reflect and Share Responsibly

After your visit, take time to reflect on what you observed. Consider how the birds’ natural behaviors compare to what you’ve seen in media or documentaries. If you share photos or stories on social media, tag the Indianapolis Zoo and use educational hashtags like

ZooConservation or #ResponsibleWildlifeInteraction. Avoid posting videos that show close-ups of birds being chased or fed improperly—these can encourage harmful behavior in others.

Best Practices

Engaging with wildlife, even in controlled environments like zoo aviaries, demands a commitment to ethical standards. These best practices ensure your experience is safe, respectful, and beneficial to the birds and the zoo’s mission.

Never Feed Birds Outside Designated Programs

It may be tempting to toss a piece of fruit or seed to a bird you see near a path or exhibit. This is strictly forbidden. Zoo birds are on precise nutritional regimens designed by veterinarians and nutritionists. Human food—especially salty, sugary, or processed items—can cause liver disease, obesity, or even death in exotic birds. Even natural foods like bread or apples can disrupt digestion or attract pests that threaten the aviary’s ecosystem.

Respect Physical Boundaries

Aviaries are designed with barriers to protect both birds and people. Do not lean on railings, tap on glass, or attempt to reach through mesh. Birds can become stressed by physical proximity to humans, leading to feather plucking, aggression, or refusal to eat. Maintain a distance of at least 3–5 feet unless instructed otherwise by a keeper.

Minimize Noise and Sudden Movements

Many birds in the aviaries are sensitive to loud sounds and rapid motion. Avoid shouting, clapping, or running near the exhibits. Children should be reminded to use quiet voices and gentle movements. Sudden noises can trigger panic responses in birds, especially those from dense rainforest habitats where predators are silent and stealthy.

Follow All Signage and Staff Directives

Zoo signage is not decorative—it’s critical for safety and conservation. Signs may warn about specific bird species that are easily startled, areas under maintenance, or temporary closures due to breeding season. Always follow these instructions. Staff members are trained in animal behavior and welfare; their guidance is based on decades of scientific observation and best practices.

Support Conservation Through Donations and Education

The Indianapolis Zoo actively participates in global bird conservation programs, including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plans (SSPs). Consider making a donation to the zoo’s conservation fund or adopting a bird species through their symbolic adoption program. These contributions directly fund research, habitat restoration, and anti-poaching efforts in the wild.

Teach Children Ethical Wildlife Interaction

Children are often the most enthusiastic participants in bird-feeding programs. Use this opportunity to teach them about respect for animals, the importance of biodiversity, and the consequences of human interference. Explain that birds are not pets, and that feeding them requires knowledge, not just kindness. Encourage questions and curiosity, but reinforce boundaries.

Be Mindful of Seasonal Changes

Bird behavior and feeding schedules change with the seasons. During breeding season (typically late winter through early summer), many birds become territorial or avoid human interaction to protect nests. During migration periods, some species may be relocated for health or space reasons. Always check the zoo’s website or call ahead to confirm which species are present and whether feeding programs are active.

Document and Report Concerns

If you notice a bird acting abnormally—lethargic, feather loss, labored breathing, or excessive pacing—notify a zoo staff member immediately. Do not attempt to intervene yourself. The zoo’s veterinary team responds to all reports, and your observation may help identify early signs of illness or environmental stress.

Tools and Resources

Successful bird feeding at the Indianapolis Zoo Aviaries is enhanced by the right tools and resources. These are not physical items you need to purchase, but rather knowledge sources and digital tools that deepen your understanding and improve your experience.

Official Indianapolis Zoo Website

The zoo’s website (www.indianapoliszoo.com) is your primary resource. It provides real-time updates on exhibit hours, animal encounters, weather-related closures, and special events. The “Plan Your Visit” section includes downloadable maps and daily activity schedules. Bookmark this page before your trip.

Zoo Mobile App

Download the Indianapolis Zoo app for iOS or Android. The app features an interactive map, push notifications for upcoming bird-feeding sessions, audio guides for each exhibit, and augmented reality (AR) features that overlay bird facts onto live camera views. It also includes a “Zoo Tracker” that shows real-time locations of animals, helping you plan your route efficiently.

Avian Nutrition Guides

For deeper understanding, consult the AZA’s “Avian Nutrition Guidelines” or the “Birds of the World” database by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. These resources explain the dietary needs of species commonly found at the zoo—such as scarlet macaws, greater racket-tailed drongos, and African grey parrots. Knowing that macaws require high-fat nuts while hornbills need protein-rich insects adds context to the feeding experience.

Field Guides and Bird Identification Apps

Bring a field guide like “The Sibley Guide to Birds” or use apps like Merlin Bird ID or Audubon Bird Guide. These tools help you identify birds you see during or after your visit. Learning to recognize species by plumage, call, and flight pattern turns a passive observation into an active learning experience.

Conservation Partnerships

The Indianapolis Zoo partners with organizations like the World Parrot Trust, Rainforest Trust, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Visit their websites to learn about global threats to bird populations—habitat loss, illegal pet trade, climate change—and how your visit supports their work. Many of these groups offer free educational downloads, including lesson plans and activity sheets for families.

Volunteer and Behind-the-Scenes Programs

For those seeking a more immersive experience, inquire about the zoo’s “Wildlife Ambassador” volunteer program. Participants assist keepers with enrichment activities, data collection, and public education. While not directly related to feeding, these roles provide unparalleled insight into avian care and conservation science.

Photography Equipment

While not essential, a camera with a 70–300mm telephoto lens allows you to capture detailed images without disturbing the birds. Use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or higher) to freeze motion, and shoot in RAW format for better post-processing. Avoid using auto-flash; natural light is ideal. Tripods are not permitted in exhibit areas, but monopods are allowed if used discreetly.

Online Courses and Webinars

Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer free courses on ornithology, animal behavior, and conservation biology. Look for courses from universities like Cornell, UC Berkeley, or the University of Edinburgh. Completing even one module can transform your bird-feeding experience from casual to deeply informed.

Real Examples

Real-world examples illustrate how proper bird-feeding practices at the Indianapolis Zoo create lasting impacts—for visitors, birds, and conservation.

Example 1: The Toucan Encounter That Changed a Family’s Perspective

In spring 2023, a family from Columbus, Ohio, participated in the “Toucan Feeding Experience” during their visit. The children, ages 7 and 10, were initially excited to throw food at the birds. The keeper gently redirected them, explaining that toucans use their large beaks to pluck fruit from trees in the wild—not to snatch food from hands. The keeper demonstrated how the toucan gently grasped a berry from the feeding spoon, then used its beak to rotate the fruit before swallowing. The children watched in awe. Afterward, they asked to read the informational plaque about toucan habitats in Central America. The family later donated to the zoo’s rainforest conservation fund and started a school project on tropical bird conservation.

Example 2: A Student’s Research Project Inspired by Aviary Observation

A high school biology student from Carmel, Indiana, visited the zoo for a class assignment on animal behavior. She observed that scarlet macaws in the aviary consistently fed in pairs, even when food was abundant. She recorded the behavior over three visits and noticed the same pairs repeated daily. With help from a zoo educator, she learned this was a sign of lifelong pair bonding—a trait common in parrots. She presented her findings at the regional science fair, winning first place. Her project was later featured in the zoo’s educational newsletter and used in middle school science curricula.

Example 3: The Parrot That Stopped Plucking Feathers

One of the zoo’s African grey parrots had been exhibiting feather-plucking behavior for months. Keepers suspected stress from overstimulation and lack of mental enrichment. After adjusting the feeding schedule to include puzzle feeders and introducing a new feeding companion (a more social bird), the parrot’s behavior improved dramatically. The zoo shared this case study with visitors during a “Behind the Scenes” tour, showing how behavioral science and nutrition work together to improve animal welfare. Visitors reported feeling more connected to the birds after learning how their actions—even small ones—could influence health outcomes.

Example 4: The Visitor Who Broke the Rules—and What Happened

During a busy summer weekend, a visitor tossed a piece of banana peel into the aviary near the hornbills. Within minutes, a curious hornbill picked it up, but the peel contained residual sugar and mold. The bird became ill and was quarantined for three days. The zoo had to adjust its feeding schedule and temporarily suspend public interactions for that exhibit. The visitor, upon learning the consequences, apologized and later volunteered to help with educational signage about proper zoo etiquette. This incident became a teaching moment for hundreds of visitors who saw the updated signs.

Example 5: The Global Impact of a Local Visit

After attending a bird-feeding session, a tourist from the United Kingdom donated $500 to the zoo’s partnership with the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership. The funds helped fund nest box installations for endangered Madagascar parrots in the wild. The zoo sent a thank-you letter to the donor, including photos of the birds in their natural habitat. This example demonstrates how a simple zoo visit can ripple outward into global conservation efforts.

FAQs

Can I bring my own food to feed the birds at the Indianapolis Zoo?

No. Outside food is strictly prohibited in all animal exhibits, including the aviaries. Birds are on scientifically formulated diets, and human food can cause serious health issues. Only food provided by zoo staff during supervised programs may be used.

Are there any age restrictions for bird feeding?

There are no formal age restrictions, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Keepers may limit direct participation to older children based on safety and behavior. All participants, regardless of age, must follow keeper instructions.

How often do bird-feeding sessions occur?

Typically, bird-feeding programs occur once or twice daily, depending on the season and exhibit. Morning sessions are most common. Check the daily schedule on the zoo’s website or app for exact times.

Can I touch the birds during feeding?

Touching birds is not permitted unless explicitly allowed by a keeper during a specialized program. Even then, contact is minimal and controlled. Birds are wild animals, and physical contact can cause stress or injury.

What if a bird approaches me?

Remain still and do not reach toward it. Let the bird decide if it wants to come closer. Sudden movements may scare it away or trigger defensive behavior. Observe quietly and enjoy the moment.

Is bird feeding available in winter?

Yes, but schedules may be reduced due to colder weather and fewer visitors. Some species may be moved indoors, and outdoor feeding may be suspended. Always check the zoo’s daily schedule before visiting in winter months.

Can I photograph the birds during feeding?

Yes, photography is encouraged. However, flash is prohibited, and you must not use equipment that blocks walkways or disturbs other guests. Tripods are not allowed in exhibit areas.

What happens if I accidentally drop food near the aviary?

Notify a zoo staff member immediately. They will remove the item to prevent contamination. Do not attempt to retrieve it yourself. Even small amounts of foreign food can attract insects or rodents that threaten bird health.

Do I need to reserve a spot for bird feeding?

No, participation is first-come, first-served. However, arriving early ensures you get a good position. Some special events may require registration—check the event calendar.

How does bird feeding benefit conservation?

Supervised feeding programs educate the public about bird biology, threats in the wild, and the importance of conservation. They also generate revenue that supports global field programs. Every visitor who participates helps fund research, habitat protection, and anti-trafficking efforts.

Conclusion

Feeding birds at the Indianapolis Zoo Aviaries is not merely a fun activity—it is a powerful, curated experience designed to foster empathy, understanding, and stewardship for avian life. When done correctly, it transforms casual visitors into informed advocates for wildlife conservation. The key to success lies in preparation, patience, and respect—for the birds, the zookeepers, and the natural world they represent. By following the step-by-step guide, adhering to best practices, utilizing available tools, and learning from real examples, you ensure your experience contributes positively to both your own knowledge and the well-being of the birds. The Indianapolis Zoo provides a rare bridge between urban life and wild ecosystems. Your role as a visitor is not to intervene, but to observe, learn, and carry that understanding beyond the zoo gates. Whether you’re a local resident or a first-time visitor, your mindful participation helps protect species that may otherwise vanish from our planet. Let every encounter with a toucan, parrot, or hornbill be a quiet revolution—one of awareness, responsibility, and wonder.