Passenger Pigeon Memorial

A National Historic Landmark, the last remaining Japanese pagoda-style building that was one of the Zoo’s early bird aviaries, built in 1875, has been preserved as the Passenger Pigeon Memorial. The exhibit pays tribute to Martha, the last known passenger pigeon who died at the Zoo in 1914. Once the most numerous bird on Earth, the passenger pigeon was hunted into extinction. The last captive Carolina parakeet, Incas, also died at the Zoo, in 1918, and is commemorated here. The exhibit serves as a reminder to all of the tragedy of extinction and pleas with visitors to consider how their actions affect wildlife.

Photos (clockwise, from top):
Passenger Pigeon Memorial, Carolina Parakeet specimens, "Martha"