Every breeding hornbill is especially valuable for the preservation of the species. One unique feature is the alternating migratory exhibit. For winter, the setting is changed to tropical, with flora indigent to their southern migration destinations. Another pleasing innovation is see-through walls of vertical piano wires, instead of glass or plastic, between birds and visitors. On the rare occasions when this happens, the escapee is placed in its own cage and returned to the scene.
Attendants then observe the actions of other birds toward it and take appropriate action.
The Bridge Room, built in 1952, is warmed by the sun on the glass domed ceiling and cooled by traditional hand-operated vents. It functions very effectively as a repository for a number of single birds, some of which are the only ones in the United States. Many have lost mates. For them, being in a free flight situation with several other birds is much better than in a cage alone. It is also the place for mated pairs that do not belong in any of the special displays and do not need artificially created atmospheres such as a tropical climate.