The Waitaki District Council is on the lookout for new homes for birds from the aviaries in the town’s public gardens, with plans under way to demolish the outdated buildings.
The structures, dating from the 1960s and 1970s, were deemed not fit for purpose and unsuitable for the birds’ welfare by a recent independent report.
There are 48 birds in need of a good home, including Oamaru’s most famous feathery friend, Jimmy the sulphur-crested cockatoo, with concerns raised regarding his wellbeing and a lack of enrichment.
The council is asking the public if they would take in the birds if they have suitable accommodation after previously approaching local bird societies to gauge their interest.
No demolition work will take place at the aviaries until all the birds have been rehomed, according to the council.
The council approved the demolition of the aviaries as part of its long-term plan for 2025 to 2034, after estimating that the cost of replacing the aviaries with a modern aviary and staffing it to be more than $400,000.
The aviaries contain eight pigeons, 23 doves, two pheasants, four hens, one rooster, one green budgie, one blue budgie, five grey cockatiels, two parrots and Jimmy.
