Birds can molt hundreds of feathers each year. With over 800 birds at the Zoo, that’s a lot of feathers! These molted feathers can be used in many different ways. Some are given to various birds to use as nest material during breeding season. Others go to the Zoo’s education department for use in classes, camps and docent carts. Feathers are also distributed as enrichment items to other animals in the Zoo. Big cats, primates and elephants all enjoy sniffing, inspecting and playing with their newfound feathers.