17 didn’t want it to be cage-like. We spent a lot of time researching different types of mesh and, ultimately, found a solution that can safely contain the mousebirds but is installed in a way that makes them very visible for Zoo visitors. We incorporated lots of greenery, trees, foliage, rocks and water in a bubbler. Because we know they like to hang upside down, we gave them a lot of features that enable them to do that, and places to cling to the walls. Lots of little ‘hangouts.’” With a habitat fit for all their needs, the female mousebirds adjusted quickly and are thriving in their new home. Now, guests can delight in visiting them on their next Zoo trek. “It’s nice that they’re in the same space as lemurs, which are also native to the African continent— Madagascar, specifically,” Dabish says. “When you walk through, especially on a cold day, you hear the lemurs, you hear the mousebirds’ little twittering — it’s a cool vibe.” “Mousebirds may not be the flashiest, the most musical or the most colorful birds, but they’re very entertaining to watch,” Ramsey adds. “They’re so social and so playful. They’ll hang from one foot, preening one another, they’ll be hanging together with their legs above their heads rubbing their tummies together. They have a lot of fun behaviors.”
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