Fall migratory season is underway and the Edmonton Valley Zoo is inviting families to an educational and entertaining day dedicated to learning about birds. The celebration hinges on World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, which the zoo’s conservation co-ordinator, Catherine Shier, said is being observed by more than 230 cities globally. “Today is about teaching kids and families what they can do, because many people experience wildlife in their city, and they get value out of it,” Shier told CTV News Edmonton. “If they’re gone, people notice.” She added the message to kids is that birds not only live in their city but with other kids all around the world. “We’re all connected, and the kids understand that inherently, and they want to protect it,” she said. “When [kids] are impassioned, their families are impassioned.” The festivities run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and feature a bird walk, fair, a bird of prey talk with some of the zoo’s keepers and an end-of-day chat about Art for Conservation, a project led by fine artist Misty Ring. Ring has partnered with the Edmonton Valley Zoo for a year-long project where she creates portraits of wildlife to raise awareness about the importance of conservation. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Darcy Seaton
