FAQs
How long has the aviary been in Cook Park?
The aviary was originally built around 1930. In 1939, former Mayor of Orange, Dr Wally Matthews, recommended constructing a new aviary in Cook Park and offered birds from his own collection if the project went ahead.
The aviary was later enlarged in 1995 to its current size. This upgrade was carried out to meet the requirements of the Exhibited Animals Protection Act 1986. At that time, the range of species was reduced to native birds only, as the aviary had previously housed exotic species such as peacocks and pheasants.
Why do we have an aviary?
The aviary is there because Cook Park was designed as a Victorian-era public park, and parks of that style often included places where visitors could see animals up close.
In 2022, Council considered the future of the Cook Park aviary as part of the Master Plan processes and ultimately resolved to retain it. In 2023, Council resolved the aviary at Cook Park be retained and further consultation occur with the bird committees and general public on upgrading and maintenance.
How much money has been spent on the Cook Park Aviary over the last 3 years?
Council spends approximately $50,000 a year on general maintenance, cleaning and animal husbandry (food and water and veterinary costs). The majority of this operational cost is staff time. Council has not undertaken any significant capital works on the aviary in the last 3 years. A plan to repaint the aviary inside and out, including the wire mesh and other associated structures that make up the aviary, is programmed and is expected to cost about $30,000.
A further cost of $1,500 includes the purchase of temporary aviaries to rehome the birds whilst the aviary is being repainted. This work is due to commence in mid-July and expected to take 1 to 2 weeks.
