Zoo Aviary’s demolition set for this summer

ASHEBORO — Four years after closing its beloved R.J. Reynolds Forest Aviary, the NC Zoo is finally demolishing the structure this summer as part of a $60 million rebuild project. 

D.H. Griffin Wrecking Co. was awarded the contract to tear down the 44-year-old structure. Demolition is expected to begin in August or September, following a pre-construction meeting scheduled for this month, according to Sara Pack, Chief Communications & PR Officer for the North Carolina Zoo.

The aviary first opened in 1982 with partial funding from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. After major renovations from 1998 to 2000, the building deteriorated over two decades. The high humidity required to maintain the tropical rainforest environment caused moisture damage, foundation problems, chronic erosion beneath the structure and deterioration of the original dome panels — which are no longer manufactured.

In January 2022, when the Zoo announced the aviary would close due to Avian Flu concerns, most expected it would be temporary. 

While it was closed, the Zoo brought in engineers to inspect the building and found it had deteriorated beyond repair. Zoo officials permanently closed it in April 2022 to protect animals, guests and staff.

The permanent closure surprised many Zoo guests who expected a temporary shutdown. An April 2022 survey found 89% of respondents wanted the aviary rebuilt. The Zoo relocated 93 bird species and more than 2,000 exotic plants to other exhibits or transferred them to accredited zoos.

In March 2023, Gov. Roy Cooper included $60 million for aviary replacement in his budget proposal. The funding was approved in the 2023-25 state budget and was being distributed over approximately three years.

The demolition contract is valued at $1.5 million and is separate from the $60 million appropriation, according to Zoo officials. The Zoo has been allocated $3 million from the $60 million to begin the design phase, leaving approximately $57 million for construction.

The Zoo shared conceptual renderings designed by CLR Design during master planning, though Pack cautioned the designs are preliminary.

“The final design could change significantly once we start the design phase,” she said.

The new aviary will be built on a different site within the zoo grounds, chosen specifically to address the erosion problems that plagued the original structure.

The design phase will begin after demolition is complete. 

The Zoo has not announced a timeline for when the design bids will be solicited or when construction might begin. However, sources familiar with the Zoo estimated in July 2023 that a new aviary may not reopen until at least 2030.