Although the loss of much of the collection from this era is to be mourned, I think I'd say that the current aviary on this location - the "African Bird Safari" - is a far better way to see Abdim's storks (and others).
Presuming this building is listed(?) I was a bit surprised to see the major alterations to one end of it which have been made to accomodate the indoor area for 'Tiger Territory'. Its been done quite sympathetically but is still quite major.
As far as I know, the building isn't listed - although those with more knowledge than me may know otherwise.
Of all of the zoo's recent developments - some of which I like very much, some of which I am a little more lukewarm about - I think the walk-through aviary is probably my favourite.
To see the listed buildings anywhere in the UK, go to Map of British Listed Buildings | British Listed Buildings and zoom in to the area you want to look at. I hadn't realised that both the bridges over the canal and the east tunnel are listed (Grade 2) or that the old Gorilla House is Grade 1 (it's described as the Chimps Breeding Colony, but I think it's been many years since it held chimps).
The old Stork and Ostrich House is not listed and I quite agree that the redevelopments in this area have been very well done.
This brick building is now approximately 150 years old, although altered from its original appearance. Obviously the roof, shutters, doors, etc, would all not be from the 1860's, but do the walls date from that time period?
This brick building is now approximately 150 years old, although altered from its original appearance. Obviously the roof, shutters, doors, etc, would all not be from the 1860's, but do the walls date from that time period?
From what I could see on my visit in October it looked as though the new aviary has been "tagged onto the front walls" so that much of the old building remains, and can be used as possible indoor housing for the birds like isolation etc..and keeper working areas ?
Am rather surprised to hear it isn't listed. With the disappearance of the Cattle Sheds, Parrot House, old Lion House (some) North Bank aviaries, small mammal houses etc, there are not many buildings left of this era. I would have thought it had more historical significance than e.g. the tunnel or bridge.
This brick building is now approximately 150 years old, although altered from its original appearance. Obviously the roof, shutters, doors, etc, would all not be from the 1860's, but do the walls date from that time period?
