Duckling Day

A very special behind-the-scenes tour for Sylvan Heights members at the Aviculturist level or higher! 

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sylvan Heights Avian Breeding Center led by Sylvan Heights staff, and brunch at Sylvan Heights Bird Park! This is the ultimate day for waterfowl enthusiasts. Guests can marvel at being shown how to “candle” an egg and witness new ducklings hatching. The Sylvan Heights Avian Breeding Center is not open to the public, so this is a very special opportunity to meet the newest members of our flock.

This event is free, and is open to upper-level Sylvan Heights members only.

You must be a member of Sylvan Heights Bird Park at the Aviculturist Level or higher to participate in this event. A membership with the NC Zoo, NC Aquariums, or other reciprocating facilities will not be accepted for registration for this event.

**PLEASE CHECK YOUR MEMBERSHIP LEVEL BEFORE REGISTERING!**

If you have an Individual, Individual Plus, Family, or Family Plus membership, you will need to upgrade your membership to Aviculturist Level or higher to attend Duckling Day. To join or upgrade your Sylvan Heights membership, please click here.

Registration opens on April 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

Important Information

Reservations are required. Please sign up for a designated tour time, and plan to arrive at least ten minutes before your tour begins.

Members may bring up to two guests to Duckling Day. Please include any guests in your ticket count when registering for tours.

Bonus Event: Penguin Point Groundbreaking Ceremony!

This year, we will celebrate the beginning of construction on our future Penguin Point exhibit with a groundbreaking ceremony at 1 p.m. on Duckling Day! Members are welcome and invited to attend this ceremony near Toad Hall Pavilion. Reservations are not required for the groundbreaking ceremony. For more information about Penguin Point, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to attend Duckling Day?

Yes, reservations are required. Please select from the tour times departing every 15 minutes beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Can I attend Duckling Day if I have an Individual or Family membership?

No, Duckling Day is open only to Sylvan Heights members at the Aviculturist level or higher. To upgrade your membership, please call the park or visit https://www.shwpark.com/support/membership/

Can I attend Duckling Day with my North Carolina Zoo or North Carolina Aquariums membership?

No, Duckling Day is our way to thank upper-level members of Sylvan Heights Bird Park for their support. You can support Sylvan Heights Bird Park at the Aviculturist level or higher by visiting https://www.shwpark.com/support/membership/

How much walking is required for the tour?

Duckling Day tours consist of approximately one mile of walking through the park and Avian Breeding Center. If you will need assistance to participate in the tour, please contact us at least 2 days before the event so we can arrange other transportation.

What will I see on the tour?

Guided by a Sylvan Heights staff member, guests will have the opportunity to see the Sylvan Heights Avian Breeding Center, which is not typically open to the public. You will see the process of rearing and caring for rare and endangered waterfowl species, and meet Sylvan Heights’ newest ducklings!

How long do the tours last?

Each tour lasts around 45 – 60 minutes.

Can I bring guests to Duckling Day?

In addition to the adults and children/grandchildren included in your membership, you may bring up to two guests to Duckling Day.

When is brunch available?

Brunch and coffee will be available in the Sylvan Heights Visitor Center beginning at 9:00 a.m. You can choose to enjoy brunch either before or after your tour! (Guests on the 9:00 a.m. tour may enjoy brunch after their tour.)