MERIDIAN —     Bob Cape's vision of a Meridian zoo is no longer just a pipe dream.

    For several years, Cape has showcased his collection of more than 200 birds at the Meridian Zoological Park, located at 7404 Highway 80 West. But now that the park is established as a nonprofit corporation, his vision of a zoo filled with all types of animals is becoming more of a reality.

    "We're still in the infant stages. But with the community's involvement and support we can build Meridian's zoo," said Cape.

    In the meantime, he continues to exhibit his extensive bird collection at the zoological park. Cape's interest in the fine feathered friends developed while growing up in the small town of Artesia.

    "When I was about 9, I was very interested in a 20-acre plot behind my house where there were lots of birds nesting in the Bodock trees. Bodock trees are heavily thorned and birds love them for nesting because not much, if anything, can climb up them and get their eggs or babies," he said.

    The wide variety of birds that frequented the area peaked Cape curiosity about them.

    "I was very interested in what color the eggs were, what the babies looked like when they hatched ... So I had to do a lot of climbing, which was very painful but I did it anyway," he said.

    More that 60 years later, Cape has amassed a tremendous amount of information on the birds.

    "I've done it every year for the last 63 years; I keep a record on those birds and how they progress," he said. "Every year, they breed there in the spring and I go to Artesia to study their progress."

    At the age of 17, Cape moved to California, where he met his wife and was drafted in the military. He reserved his bird watching to the area in Artesia, however continued to have a great interest in birds. So he began raising exotic birds in his back yard.

    "I enjoyed the little parakeets and cockatiels," he said.

    Cape eventually purchased a business that imported parrots from all over the world.

    "We shipped birds all over the United States to pet shops, private breeders, individuals – anyone who had a love for birds," he said.

    Cape continued the business when he moved to Arizona and Oregon. In 1994, he returned to Mississippi, settling in the Meridian area. He earned several degrees at East Central Community College and Meridian Community College, but continued to raise birds.

    "I brought back with me a tractor trailer full of birds in cages; my whole farm came back with me," he said.

    Cape eventually purchased the Rock House Trading Post on Highway 80 West and opened it as the Meridian Zoological Park. Three years ago, he closed it as a retail business for bird supplies to begin work on establishing a zoo for Meridian.

    "Hopefully with us now being a nonprofit organization, we can get grant funds to get the building part started," he said. "Several residents have shown interest in getting the zoo completed and I'm ready to go!"

    Meridian Zoological Park is available to visitors. Call (601) 484-5794 to schedule an appointment. A website has been established that provides information on the zoo and its progress. The website address is www.meridianzoo.bbnow.org