Southport’s Botanic Gardens Aviaries – home to a range of exotic birds such as parrots and parakeets as well as rabbits and guinea pigs – are set to undergo further repair works this month.
Last year, Sefton Council refurbished the parakeet aviary and the guinea pig area. Now further works work will take place to repair and improve the infrastructure that houses the animals to ensure the aviary remains fit for purpose.
The Council’s Green Sefton team works in partnership with the Botanic Gardens Community Association (BGCA) to maintain the aviary. The BGCA has raised £8,000 to support the works, which will include new and improved flooring, roofing and drainage.
The aviary closed to the public in December, in line with national restrictions for an on-going avian flu outbreak and remains closed under national lockdown guidance. The birds and animals remain at the aviary, but for safety are being kept in their indoor accommodation during the outbreak and while the aviary undergoes repair works.
The aviary will reopen to the public after the completion of the works and dependent on the latest government advice on both the avian flu and coronavirus restrictions.
Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
“It is important we maintain good standards of animal welfare at the aviary and these latest works are part of our annual programme of repairs and improvements to ensure that the exotic birds and small animals continue to have a comfortable place to call home. We remain committed to maintaining the RSPCA Five Freedoms –measures which ensure our animals are kept safe and well.
“In the future we will be offering opportunities for people to sponsor pens and birds to help maintain these high standards.”
People can find out more about the aviary on its dedicated Facebook page.
Cllr Moncur also extended his thanks to the BGCA members:
“I would like to acknowledge the tremendous support and dedication of the BGCA members who are committed to working alongside Green Sefton to maintain and improve the park and gardens, so that everyone can continue to enjoy them.”
People can find more on the Borough’s parks, play areas and open spaces managed by the Green Sefton team, with support from volunteers and partners, by visiting the Sefton Council website at: https://www.sefton.gov.uk/around-sefton/parks-and-greenspaces