Hornbill Aviary

The Hornbill Aviary at Warsaw Zoo is a biotope project completed in the bird house in 2019. The project covered 120 m² of decorations and aimed to modernize the existing aviary, improve the birds' living conditions and create a more visually attractive exhibition for visitors.

The main inspiration was the biotope of dry and desertified areas of South America. The works included wall decorations imitating soil cross-sections and rock formations resembling eroded sandstone with deep cracks, crumbling edges and a natural layered structure. One wall also features an imitation landslide with visible layers of sand and soil in different colors, natural stones and root growth.

The central element of the aviary is a 4 m artificial tree with a nesting hollow prepared for hornbills. The element was designed not only as decoration, but also as a functional part of the enclosure. The inside of the hollow was made of wood, and a convenient branch leads to the opening, helping the birds use the nesting place. The artificial tree also allows hornbill observation thanks to an installed camera.

The scope also included cladding a wall with sandstone imitation, building a large planter in the corner of the aviary, hiding planters within the artificial rock structure and renewing a bird pond with a water drain. Together, these elements created coherent zoological scenery in which artificial rocks, an artificial tree, soil cross-sections and functional elements work together to build the realistic character of the exhibition.

The project shows how zoo theming can combine aesthetics, functionality and animal needs. By using artificial rock technology and hand-sculpted decorations, the space enriches the exhibition, organizes the aviary's functions and gives it a natural, engaging character.