In 2002, the aviary was the biggest project thus far for the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin: muraled hallways, multiple smaller exhibits and one large flight room. At the exit is a small exhibit mural and a jungle backdrop for photo ops.

Jim Hubing, then Zoo Director, said he was worried that it looked so real, visitors might try to walk into it and break their noses. I said they could send me the bill, it would be worth a lot to me in good PR.

In one of the aviary murals I painted an ancient stone head like the ones carved by the Olmec culture of Central America, overgrown by strangler figs, but the face is based on a baby picture of Jim supplied to me by his staff.