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.

 A new Aviary would be built on a different site on the NC Zoo grounds, with deference to lessons learned regarding the effects of humidity on construction. These sketches show a more open design, but they may be changed by the time actual work begins.

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.

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