Reconstruction of 1856 bird-of-prey aviaries as parrot aviaries - Seemingly finally finished, 2019-12-30

These ancient bird-of-prey aviaries, designed by Charles Servais and built in 1855-56 (and therefore, together with the Egyptian Temple, they are the oldest surviving buildings in the zoo which first opened in 1843), were formerly found in between the ape house and what at that time was the children's zoo (playground, restaurant, red panda, meerkat and rabbits exhibits) until 2013 when they were dismantled and demolished. A playground temporarily replaced them at this location until a few years later the construction of the new outdoor chimpanzee and gorilla exhibits that now sit at this site began.

I have posted some pictures of the historical set-up of these aviaries in the gallery below:
Historical photo of the old set-up of the bird-of-prey aviaries (Circa 2008) - ZooChat
Historical photo of the old set-up of the bird-of-prey aviaries (Circa 2007) - ZooChat
Historical photo of the old set-up of the bird-of-prey aviaries (Circa 2008) - ZooChat
Historical photo of the old set-up of the bird-of-prey aviaries (Circa 2007) - ZooChat
Historical photo of the old set-up of the bird-of-prey aviaries (Circa 2008) - ZooChat

The bluestone building elements and the rock work from the old aviaries were salvaged, cleaned up and stored for restoration and use during the rebuild. The mesh structures of the cages were constructed anew during the rebuild as the original cages were so rusty they could not be salvaged. Old techniques were used in this process. The reconstruction included the rebuilding of the left wing of the aviary complex which was demolished in 1969.

The aviaries were reconstructed adjacent to a modern building with modern indoor enclosures and are now located behind the Moorish Temple (okapi house). This area that is part of the expansion zone for Zoo Antwerpen that was realized between 2008 and 2010 after 31 houses that were gradually acquired by the zoo over the years were demolished.

Species confirmed for these new aviaries are Mexican military macaws (Ara militaris mexicana), Swift parrots (Lathamus discolor) and Ecuadorian red-lored amazons (Amazona lilacina). So far there has been no confirmation on whether the blue-headed macaws (Primolius couloni and hyacinthine macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) in Antwerp's collection will also be included in this project.

The completion of the project was delayed for months due to issues with the mesh wiring of the aviaries. The first version was deemed to be unsatisfactory and potentially not parrot-proof. It took months for a new version to be placed, but the placement of the mesh wiring seems to have been completed now. Hopefully the parrots will be able to move in when spring comes.

Sources:
Information signs
Zoo breekt oude roofvogelvolières af
Roofvogelvolière, Zoo van Antwerpen | Patine
Laeremans Geert renoveert roofvogelverblijf Antwerpse Zoo

Really interesting read, thanks for sharing. I love these unique cases of adapting historic exhibits for the 21st century.

In an email for members, both blue-headed macaws and hyacinth macaws were also confirmed to be included in here.

@DelacoursLangur
I shared these pictures and looked up this information with pleasure as I too enjoy the adaptation of historical exhibits and buildings for 21st century animal husbandry.
@Penshet
I did in fact receive that one, but I had so far forgotten to read it. They did in fact confirm all three macaw species in their collection for these aviaries.