In the brand-new Melbourne Zoo 150th anniversary history book it says that the Great Flight Aviary opened in 1934, and yet another section of the book announces 1908 as the opening date. Which is correct? The structure is listed as being 60 feet long, 25 feet wide and 30 feet high in 1908 so that is obviously a different aviary from the amazing 1930's version. Was the original demolished on the same patch of ground that now houses the current aviary?
In the brand-new Melbourne Zoo 150th anniversary history book it says that the Great Flight Aviary opened in 1934, and yet another section of the book announces 1908 as the opening date. Which is correct? The structure is listed as being 60 feet long, 25 feet wide and 30 feet high in 1908 so that is obviously a different aviary from the amazing 1930's version. Was the original demolished on the same patch of ground that now houses the current aviary?
If I remember correctly, the domed part of the exhibit was built first as a bird of prey aviary so this might be the 1908 construction. There's a map of the zoo on page 51 (I only have the paperback version so it might be different in the hardcover) from 1939 and it seems to show the aviary in two different parts. Maybe the narrower part was built around 1934 but I don't know when they would've be joined.
On a different, but just as interesting note, the 1939 map shows just how much of the zoo has changed. The only recognizable features are the gardens along the main path, the entrances, the aforementioned aviaries, and the lake that is now home to the lemurs.
