Encino's Angela Collier Foundation Helps L.A. Zoo's 'World of Birds'

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens broke ground Wednesday on a new theater for its popular "World of Birds" show.  Improvements to the facility, which after enchanting Zoo visitors for more than 20 years was in need of renovation, are made possible by donations arranged by the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) from Basil Collier and Mohammad Virani of the Encino-based Angela Collier Foundation and long-time GLAZA docent and donor Helen Pekny.

When the theatre re-opens later this year, its new name will be the Angela Collier World of Birds Theater in honor of Collier's late daughter, who established the Angela Collier Foundation to support a variety of animal welfare charities. Support for the project from Pekny, a docent since 1985, funds a complete backstage renovation.

The new Angela Collier World of Birds Theater features a Mediterranean theme with a two-story stage to better demonstrate the natural behaviors of birds. Over 20 species of birds, including macaws, condors, vultures, cranes, hornbills, hawks and eagles, are part of the bird shows.

For more information, call (323) 644-4200 or visit the zoo's website.