That aviary looks pretty fantastic, how large is it? Also, how does it work from a visitors perspective? Do you walk in so far or is it just a small viewing area as you go through the door?
I hope it is ok if I will answer, instead of the author.
This aviary is 38 x 16 x 28 meters large and was built in 1972. There is only a small viewing area behind the door that visitors can use. When the aviary was opened for the first time, there was a visitors path and stairs going along the whole back side. Because the raptors used the railing of the path for resting and there were many incidents with the visitors (eager to pat/startle the birds), the path was very soon permanently closed/removed for visitors.
Because the raptors used the railing of the path for resting and there were many incidents with the visitors (eager to pat/startle the birds), the path was very soon permanently closed/removed for visitors.
I have seen many examples in Zoos like this where initial plans for visitor close-up viewing have had to be altered/stopped later for this sort of reason. They always seem to have to discover the problems first.. but that's only to be expected I suppose.
