Bird Kingdom is North America’s largest indoor free-flying aviary

Renovations were completed this summer at Bird Kingdom Niagara Falls’ Small Aviary where it was transformed into a free flying environment, just as their Main Aviary.

During the transition, a team of 10 Bird Kingdom Live Collections Staff monitored the more than 25 different species of rare and exotic birds from around the globe. All birds adjusted very well and are now enjoying their new habitat. Many of the birds found in this exhibit are so small you could fit a dozen in your hand. Also found in this exhibit are the rare and endangered, Gouldian Finches, who have been declared endangered due to the fact that there are less than 2,500 of this species left in their native home of Australia.

New to the exhibit are African Weavers, which weave elaborate nests from grass and plant thatching. All of the Small Aviary’s rock work, wall detailing, water features and plantings are created in house by the talented staff of Bird Kingdom. Due to the heavy wear on the plant life, the staff incorporate new plant life donated every 4-6 months from the University of Toronto Horticulture program.

Bird Kingdom Niagara Falls opened in 2001 and has quickly established itself as a popular year-round destination experience and is a three-time winner of Niagara’s prestigious, “Attraction of the Year,” Misty Award. The family oriented attraction is located at 5651 River Road, near the Rainbow Bridge. The building’s first tenant was the Spirella Corset Factory. In 1959, the one-time factory was converted into the Niagara Falls Museum which showcased unique exhibits until 1999. In 2000, a massive 40,000 expansion was added to the original heritage building to create a year-round, family, eco-tourism attraction. Bird

Kingdom is a multi-level, climate controlled 46,000 square foot complex.

This interactive Niagara Falls attraction is for all ages from children to seniors and offers many interactive experiences, educational workshops and classroom programs. Visitors can experience the wonder of the birds flight, hear their songs, observe their behaviours, walk the garden, or relax in the 125-year old Java House, a stunning hand carved House from the Island of Java in Indonesia. In addition to hundreds of free flying birds from around the world, the Main Aviary features a 40-foot waterfall, 35 foot tall palm trees, streams, and ponds. Bird Kingdom also features an Explorer’s Café and the award winning Macaw Market Gift Shop. Also featured is The Nocturnal Zone, an ancient jungle ruin that comes alive with spooky creatures, such as bats, owls, bird eating spiders, snakes, frogs, and more!

The world’s largest, indoor, free-flying aviary is unique in North America and plays host to over 500 birds, representing over 70 species.

Brock Co-op launches innovative online career tools

ST. CATHARINES — The Co-op Office of Brock University has launched two new online career development services for students. CareerBeam and Perfect Interview are web-based programs available to busy students 24/7. These innovative tools have been designed to ensure that Brock Co-op students are able to successfully compete in a highly competitive job market.

“Career planning and job searching are daunting tasks in light of a student’s rigorous academic schedule. By providing virtual tools like CareerBeam and Perfect Interview, Brock Co-op students can manage these important elements wherever and whenever they choose,” says Cindy Dunne, Director, Co-op Programs. “Generation Y students are less likely to respond to traditional career services tools; this model of technology-based learning is our best effort to ensure students are engaged in sustainable career and professional development.”

CareerBeam is a 24/7 Virtual Career Success Centre, which is currently being used by several prestigious institutions in the United States such as Auburn, Notre Dame and the Atlanta Business School Association. Brock University is the first and only school to make this advanced resource available to Co-op students in Canada.

By accessing CareerBeam, students can develop personalized career profiles, conduct in-depth research on the national and international business community as well as access resumé builders, cover letter and interview tips via an internet-based, interactive career self-assessment tool.

“Overall I received an interview for every resumé I submitted and virtually all interviewers had positive comments about the resumé and cover letter,” says Craig Cunningham, fourth-year Bachelor of Accounting, Co-op Option student. “CareerBeam made the process easy as it directs you through the formation process and indicates the goal of each section of the cover letter and resumé.”

Perfect Interview Multi-User is an innovative multimedia tool complete with more than 1,500 interview questions, answers, and hints, which have all been professionally produced on digital video. Once a Co-op student logs on, he or she can specify the type and length of interview to be practiced. Specific question categories can also be selected. The interview begins, and the questions appear on the computer screen in full-motion video and sound.

Perfect Interview puts the student in the ultimate “hot seat” and hits each student with compelling interview questions that must be answered on the spot. Participants get the opportunity to “think on their feet” quickly and effectively because it feels like they are really in an interview.

The Niagara Parks Commission wins Tourism Award

NIAGARA FALLS, ON — The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) has proudly accepted the APR Media Ltd. Business of the Year Award — Multiple-Unit, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the Canadian tourism industry. This prestigious award was presented at The Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s (TIAC) National Awards for Tourism Excellence presented by The Globe and Mail on Oct. 24, 2006, at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper, Alberta.

Joel Noden, Executive Director of Revenue Operations and Business Development for NPC, accepted the award in celebration of Canada’s best in tourism products, services and people. These awards attract national attention within the tourism community, and among the travel trade and news media. The TIAC National Awards for Tourism Excellence presented by The Globe and Mail were developed in 2003 by TIAC, the national private-sector advocate for Canada’s $62.7 billion tourism industry.

Criteria for this award was for a company that operates a multiple-unit business whose significant contribution to the tourism industry is reflected in the energy, commitment to service and vision that is evident in its operations. Main areas concentrated on by judges were in: visitor satisfaction; focus on human resources; business results; positive contribution to image of Canada ‘s tourism industry; involvement in tourism community (local, provincial and/or national); and vision for the future.

The Niagara Parks Commission is a self-funding agency of Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism, created in 1885. It is North America’s most completely maintained parks system with 1,720 hectares of parkland and 56 kilometres of roads and recreational trails. Established to preserve Niagara Falls and the Niagara River Parkway for the enjoyment of its visitors, The Niagara Parks Commission operates at no cost to taxpayers.