Thiruvananthapuram: The aquatic birds in the city zoo finally got a break from their crammed cages with the new aquatic aviary being inaugurated on Friday Birds like pelicans, oriental darters, painted storks, white ibises, grey herons can freely fly as the aviary is a massive circular one unlike the old rectangular cage. The new aviary, that resembles the set of a Hollywood movie, is a semi- spherical metal structure that covers a one acre pond with an island in it. The island which has bamboos and other trees is connected to land by an arch bridge.
A waterfall constantly drips filtered water that is circulated in the pond. Visitors can watch from two toughened glass galleries that projects into the aviary. Hiding places have been provided in the aviary for small birds to escape if the bigger ones exhibit aggression. A metal column has been installed in the middle for the birds to build nests and lay eggs. “Around '2.7 crore has been spent on the aquatic aviary which took over a year to complete,” said a senior official. The old aviary was unpleasant for visitors because of the smell emanating from it.
“Some of these aquatic birds are huge and the old enclosure just had a small tank. Now this enclosure even accommodates vultures,” said a keeper. The aviary was a part of the master plan to improve the zoo and had got permission from zoo authorities. Another enclosure, a pond with an island, has also been opened for Otters. It was inaugurated by Forest Minister K Raju in the presence of local MLA K Muraleedharan and Councillor Palayam Rajan.
