Reconstruction site as seen on August 19th, 2018. The path between the reconstruction site and the okapi paddock at the back of the Moorish Temple has since been closed off to visitors again, possibly because the foundation work for the outdoor aviaries has begun.
The ancient bird-of-prey aviaries, designed by Charles Servais and built in 1855-56, were formerly found near the ape house until 2013 when they were dismantled. The bluestone building elements were salvaged and stored for restoration and re-use during the rebuild. The cagework will be restored during the rebuild as it was so rusty it could not be salvaged. The reconstruction will include the rebuilding of the left wing of the aviary complex which was demolished in 1969. The aviaries are currently being reconstructed with new, larger and modern indoor enclosures behind the Moorish Temple (okapi house) and will house Mexican military macaws (Ara militaris mexicana) and hyacinthine macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) from the 2019 season onwards.
