Is this fairly new aviary the largest in Europe (as claimed in "What Zoos Can Do")? I've seen many photos of it on ZooChat and I've read that it is over 1 hectare (2.5 acres in size). Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo has a 4-acre aviary that is so large that once inside it is difficult to see the end of it, but the one at Doue has a unique appearance and I'd love to tour it one day.
Probably the best exhibit in France for me. You can spend half a day to see all the birds living (and flying of course) in the aviary. A unique exhibit
Is this fairly new aviary the largest in Europe (as claimed in "What Zoos Can Do")? I've seen many photos of it on ZooChat and I've read that it is over 1 hectare (2.5 acres in size).
Whilst I wouldn't envy either the keeper that had to catch up a bird here (and it is required from time to time) nor the bird involved, there's no doubt that this looks fabulous. How much of the stock has to be caught up to be put into warmer winter quarters?
I doubt if something like this could be attempted any further north-west in Europe; it would be too cool and damp in the summer to be worthwhile in Britain.
Definitely not. Actually I do not like the practice of clipping or pinioning birds at all, even though every major U.S. zoo I can think of (including mine) does it. Macaws with clipped wings on a fixed branch is so standard, even (or especially) in AZA zoos, that it seems to be just accepted. But I cannot see how that is much different than surgically chopping a tiger's legs off at the knees so you can put them on display without a fence. (Of course there would be an international outcry if someone actually tried this). Why no outcry over preventing flying birds from flying?
Definitely not. Actually I do not like the practice of clipping or pinioning birds at all, even though every major U.S. zoo I can think of (including mine) does it. Macaws with clipped wings on a fixed branch is so standard, even (or especially) in AZA zoos, that it seems to be just accepted. But I cannot see how that is much different than surgically chopping a tiger's legs off at the knees so you can put them on display without a fence. (Of course there would be an international outcry if someone actually tried this). Why no outcry over preventing flying birds from flying?
Whilst I wouldn't envy either the keeper that had to catch up a bird here (and it is required from time to time) nor the bird involved, there's no doubt that this looks fabulous. How much of the stock has to be caught up to be put into warmer winter quarters?
There is a large warm house (off show area) where the birds can spend the night and the cold days. There is an open space at the top of the house with heating lamps during cold days (if I remember well).
Very few and far between. Usually trained birds in shows, as Ituri says. The only macaw aviary I recall seeing, and it is not a very good one, is at Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas.
