Does anyone remember the bird aviary? Fifty years ago, my mother took me to view it.
Does everyone remember the bird aviary,I remember my mum taking me to see it 50 years ago. It was always the first and last place we visited when we got to town
It was nestled within East Park; the aviary was home to a diverse collection of feathered friends, providing a delightful escape from the bustling urban environment.
The aviary’s exact origins are somewhat shrouded in time, but it is believed to have been established in the early 20th century.
Over the years, it became a popular attraction, drawing visitors of all ages to admire the colourful plumage and melodious songs of its inhabitants.
More than just a place to see birds, the aviary served as a community hub. Children often visited to learn about different species and observe their behaviours, while adults enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with nature
Over its 89-year existence, the aviary had generated thousands of pounds, primarily for the former Children’s Hospital in Southampton. The birds, including Grip the jackdaw, Jimmy the rook, and Margaret the magpie, had played a significant role in the fundraising.
Despite widespread protests and appeals from various sections of the community, the council insisted that it was not humane to keep birds in captivity and that the aviary was too expensive to maintain
Just before the aviary was demolished in 1993, all the birds were captured and rehomed with local enthusiasts or animal parks, Southampton city council said it was so expensive to maintain,another historic place removed by the council,what will be next ?
Read more on sportupdates.co.uk
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