Flock of Hornbills at the Bird Park

The Hornbill is Malaysia's official bird mascot. Today, they're a protected and revered species but years ago they were killed for the ivory because it was easy to carve into intricate jewelry. There are 57 living species with several varieties at the KL Bird Park, the world's largest walk-in, free flight aviary.

The Bird Park is a giant birdcage with 21 acres of open space covered by thin netting and double locking doors. Birds of all kinds breed and live naturally in an environment that's open for all to enjoy. Besides the hornbill there are peacocks, doves, egrets, ibises, ostriches and emus.

Max and I dashed through the preserve clicking away at all the colorful and talkative varieties. The hornbill intrigued us as the most strange-looking bird in the flock with a heavy casque atop the head that appears to serve no purpose whatsoever. The park also has bridges, accessible sidewalks for wheelchairs and air-conditioned restrooms, something you'll appreciate immensely after suffocating in the plus 100 temps.