Vintage and modern warbirds were front and center at Naval Air Station Whidbey during the Centennial of Naval Aviation celebration last Saturday, but the base also hosted some real birds of the feathered variety in the Kids’ Zone area.

One corner of Haviland Hangar turned into a temporary wildlife habitat, featuring not only vultures and owls, but also cougars, wolves, alligators, snapping turtles and King Cobra snakes. The animals were there courtesy of Predators of the Heart, a wildlife and character education program, which proved to be a very popular attraction, according to participants.

Leila Theophilus, wife of AWOC David Theophilus from VP-1, and mom of Ava, agreed.

“We’ve loved all the activities, but seeing these animals was really special — it’s like having a little zoo right in the hangar. And it was extra nice that the kids were able to pet the animals.”

Besides the Predators of the Heart program, there were bouncy houses, games, a climbing wall, and an educational presentation put on by the Museum of Flight. The Flying Gizmos show seeks to teach principles of flight and aviation history in a fun, hands-on sort of way, said Museum of Flight employee Paz Clearwater.

Flying Gizmos featured models of many types. Each illustrated either a principle of flight in action, or a miniature prototype of a particular aircraft. From gliders to hot-air balloon mockups to radio-controlled planes, the kids in the audience took turns flying them all.

Clearwater said events such as the Centennial of Naval Aviation were the most exciting aspect of his job.

“In college, I majored in history, and I also like airplanes,” he said. “Every kid learns by doing, and I try to give each and every kid a chance to fly one of the models at least once.”

The Museum of Flight offers programs to summer camps and schools year-round, said Clearwater.

The Kids Zone also hosted clowns who made balloon animals and hats. Quite of few kids took them up on the offer, including Jennifer Bassett’s four children Sterling, Stewart, Lincoln and Hannah.

“This has all been so awesome,” said Bassett, whose husband is a firefighter on NAS Whidbey. “This has been a great way to spend a Saturday.”