Devastated lovers of Botanic Gardens aviary in Southport have vowed to fight the council over its closure.
Volunteers who run the bird sanctuary in Botanic Gardens said they are ‘truly heartbroken’ by Sefton Council’s decision to close the aviary in less than a year.
It’s unclear what will happen to the hundreds of birds, including rare exotic parrots, who call the aviary their home.
A spokesperson for the Aviary volunteers said “We’re devastated to be writing this, but avairy staff have today been told that the aviary will be closing as of March 2027 due to council budget cuts.
“The aviary staff are not in support of this decision and will do our best to change the council’s plans.
“Budget cuts were announced in March and the aviary team have only been informed today that the council have deemed the aviary not worthy of funding.
“We’re hoping that we’ve messaged everyone who has recently donated an animal to us, but if we’ve missed you please pop us a message.
“We are not currently at the stage of rehoming our animals.
“We will be monitoring our facebook so please send us a message if you have any concerns / queries.
“Our animals mean the absolute world to us, we’re truly heartbroken.
“Thank you for everyone’s continued support,
Connor, Emily, Lucy and Luke”
