By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE Sanctuary’s new Spirits of the Sky show delivers a conservation message wrapped in the colourful plumage of Australia’s native parrots.
The show, a new take on the popular Birds of Prey show which has been a key attraction at Healesville Sanctuary for 20 years, was officially launched by Zoos Victoria CEO Jenny Gray on 18 January.
Ms Gray said the message that decisions made by people every day – such as using recycled toilet paper – could have a positive impact on wildlife habitat.
“Zoos Victoria is really committed to working as a conservation organisation and we have an incredible resource with the animals and the people who come as visitors, so we would use as many opportunities as we can to get that conservation message across,” Ms Gray said.
Ms Gray described the Spirits of the Sky as a spectacular new show with “…more flights, more feathers and more fun.”
The new show introduces parrots into what had previously been the sole domain of the amazing birds of prey.
“The parrots bring a bit of fun into the show,” Ms Gray said.
She introduced and thanked the training staff, Norm Holland, Melissa Baxter, Katrina Beattie, Jason Bell, James Goodridge, Aimie Hindson, Sue Jaensch and Calinda McCall, who she said had worked on the project over many months of planning, bird training and rehearsal.
Sanctuary Director John Gibbons said the Birds of Prey show had captivated audiences and become Australia’s most recognised zoo-based tourist attraction.
“It seems timely then, on the Birds of Prey show’s 20th birthday, that we launch a totally revamped show in Spirits of the Sky.”
