HELP PROTECT OUR BIRDS

If you can help, please donate towards the footbaths and the special ‘Virkon’ disinfectant used and the materials for the ‘Penguin Pool Cover’ that was completed atthe end of 2022, with more developments soo to help protect our Caribbean Flamingos so they can be back out on display to visitors .

It is vital we do everything we can to protect our bird collection from Avian Influenza. We are home to many threatened and critically endangered birds and even one sub-species which is thought to be extinct in the wild, the Mitchell’s Lorikeet. Caribbean Flamingos and Humboldt’s Penguins are also of serious conservation concern. 

We have implemented additional biosecurity measures to help protect over 1200 birds (representing 130 species). To try and keep costs down we have bought the materials to make our own footbaths and staff  worked flat out on building the penguin pool cover with help from local firm ‘C Macdonald Builders LTD’ donating their time in getting the posts in position as quickly as possible.

The 48 footbaths cost £384, and the ‘Virkon’ ministry approved disinfectant used in the footbaths to protect against bird flu costs a minimum of £61 per 5kg tub, and lasts just about two days. That works out just over £30 a day (around £900 a month).

On top of this we have invested in special “Flat soled” wellington boots at £45 a pair for some of the staff, as they are much less likely to carry organic matter on the soles than the more traditional wellington boots. 

The materials for the ‘Penguin Pool Cover’ including all wood, stainless steel fittings, cabling and netting with a few more bits and pieces needed to finish things off over the next couple of weeks comes to around £1,300.

If you can help donate £5 or any multiples of £5 towards this which is a life saver for our birds, we would be extremely grateful.

Thank you from all the staff Xx