Yesterday after visiting the Argentine side of Iguaçu Falls we took our guide's recommendation and stopped at the Parque Das Aves located just outside the national park. I have never found birds cute or particularly interesting but the boyfriend and I wanted to see the colourful birds that were native to the park up close.
Inside they have several cages where you can observe both local birds and birds from other South American countries but the most exciting part of the park are the cages you can walk into. Instead of admiring a Toucan from outside the cage you can actually walk into its enclosure and get a much closer look.
At least that's the premise of the walk in cages. In reality it allows the Toucan to stalk and prey on unsuspecting tourists (me).
Sure, this Toucan may seem innocent enough but don't be fooled - he's no Toucan Sam trying to push sugary fake fruit cereal on children. This is a bird of prey! That bill has HUGE forward-facing serrations that not only resemble teeth but FEEL like teeth. Sure, naturalists SAY they eat mostly fruit but we all know that they really want to snip off a few toes sticking out of the flip flops of tourists.
You've been warned. Pose with the Toucan at the bird park but once you notice him hopping closer and closer to you, flying next to you while you're running away - GET OUT OF THE ENCLOSURE. Or you will find yourself with a very large beak clamped around your lower leg like I did. And there is nothing more frightening then being stalked by a colourful hopping bird.
