Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens — Attraction in Salt Lake City

We went yesterday and took My mother-in-law who came from another state for Thanksgiving week. We spent the day together there and the place itself is beautiful. But I had a really bad encounter and it ruined my day. I didn't say anything to my family. We saw a spot where they sold pastries and drinks and ordered some coffees. The woman that took the order was just straightforward and no kindness. I didn't mind and I was being very nice. I would say please and thank you. I just asked her a couple of questions but she didn't seem like she wanted to help. Anyway, I thought maybe she's just having a bad day. After we got our coffees I thought my cappuccino was a little bit sour. I wasn't upset at all I just thought was to ask her if She can put an extra pump of syrup and I didn't mind paying. So I asked her and she said sure put a pump in it. But still she seemed bothered. I was being very nice and I even felt bad that I bothered her. I kept walking and my mother-in-law said her coffee was super strong. She asked me if I can ask the employee to maybe toss a little bit of the coffee and just fill it up with water to dilute it. I thought oh shoot. I think I'm going to bother her again. So I went back and I asked her if she can do that favor for me. She said oh yeah no problem. But again, she seemed very bothered. At This point I felt really bad. She did me thw favor. She gave me back the coffee and I said thank you so much. You're really awesome. Sorry to bother you. And she said oh no problem and as she slided the window to close it, she rolled her eyes and muttered "oh Jesus Christ". That was confirmation to me that she was not at all Happy to help. The rest of the day I just felt bad. I don't think I've ever felt that way before by employees having to serve me. And I hope it's not because we are not white. I don't like to play the victim. Maybe she was having a horrible day but I hope this doesn't happen again with anyone else.

Fun place for a morning/afternoon out. Tracy Aviary is located within Liberty Park in SLC. The Aviary is on the west side of the park. When driving you can enter the park through the south or north gates. Driving is one-way in a counter-clockwise direction, so the north park entrance is the closest to the Aviary entrance. The Aviary has its own parking area. You turn in just after the tennis courts.

You enter and buy tickets in the same area as a nice gift shop. Hours - General Admission 9 am - 5 pm ADMISSION Adult (age 13+) - $11.95 Child - $7.95 Infant (2 and under) - free. Student (w/ID), Military (w/ID), Senior (age 65+) $9.95 $5 after 5pm | Monday evenings June - August Annual memberships available (cost effective if visiting several times or more in a year).

The Aviary has lots of fun for kids, including a giant sand-pit with a water-pump and toys (in tub marked 'sanitized'), as well as a tree-house, giant tree stumps to climb on, and a playground area. If you bring a quarter you can buy food from a machine to feed the ducks and swans.

There are many benches to relax on and quite a few shady areas. SLC can get quite hot in the middle of the day in summer months. Cafe to buy refreshing iced-drinks and icecreams.

Keep your eye out for the peacocks that roam freely around the park. The flamingos were cool to see.

Informative signs around the enclosures tell you interesting facts. It made for a fun morning out.

Had a very enjoyable experience over the summer with family from out of town.

A surprising variety of birds (considering the location being within the park) from all over the world to appreciate. Feeding the lorikeets is a must if you get the opportunity; they will literally land on you to feed from the nectar, which is worth the nominal fee attached. The indoor "tropical" birdhouse is another stand out, as it is somewhat open air and the birds roam freely! Such a privileged experience to come across them hopping on the paths with you! It is also always a pleasure to see iconic birds such as the toucan, kookaburra, peacock, etc.

I only wish the owls and birds of prey were a bit more secluded, as there was a young summer camp present who were very loud (screaming, kids being kids understandably) and I can only imagine the stress that it puts some of the birds under. Please, if you bring young children, instill in them the quiet respect (akin to not knocking on the glass at zoos) that these animals are due.

Other than that, the experience was great. We even had some delicious sorbet/ice cream from the refreshment stand to end the visit on. Overall, I would certainly recommend if you haven't been, and I know I'll be back to support this wonderful attraction in the heart of SLC.