Edinburgh Zoo Hornbill aviary

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Shoebill

Active Member
Just back from the zoo. Loved the new sun bear enclosure but was somewhat disappointed by the Black Hornbill aviary adjacent to the bears. I don't think the dated wire-mesh, not even re-painted, does these beautiful, subtle birds any justice. Although it does have good height.

What does everyone else think?

Do you think the area surrounding the bears will be re-developed to keep other species from South East Asia?
 
Sorry didn't take any photos when I was there.

You can see the viewing window in some of the gallery photos, it's to the left of the "tongue bench".
 
Ive just had a look, I cannot see much of the enclosjure although I can see the netting behind. Im guessing it may be a downside for the exhibit but seeing as I cannot see the aviary properly I cannot really comment.

Hope you find another Edinburgh regular!
 
This is an old aviary, which used to be the central one in a row behind the polar bear and other mammal enclosures. The new sun bear covered viewing area is on the site of the two aviaries (I think it was two) at the western end of the row, with a window into the hornbill aviary. Two of the aviaries east of the hornbills appeared to be empty when I visited last week. The last one was labelled 'Scottish wild cat'.
I am sure everyone agrees that these old aviaries are not really appropriate in a modern zoo, and as Edinburgh has lost a lot of aviary space since the Budongo building was constructed on the site of the old bird house and bird garden, I expect that the Zoo would like to construct more modern aviaries on this site or elsewhere in the grounds (to fit in with the master plan).

Alan
 
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My original gripe has been solved! I visited today and focussed on the bird collection. The aviary has now some new perches and the grass has taken at the front of the aviary.

Just noticed today that there is a second viewing window at the opposite end of the sun bear viewing station, allowing for another Malayan species when the enclosure is built...
 
Shoebill said:
My original gripe has been solved! I visited today and focussed on the bird collection. The aviary has now some new perches and the grass has taken at the front of the aviary.

Just noticed today that there is a second viewing window at the opposite end of the sun bear viewing station, allowing for another Malayan species when the enclosure is built...
Click to expand...

Look forward to any pictures. Hornbills are some of my fave aviary birds .... :D
 
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