Support for aviary staff

Numerous messages of sympathy and support have been received by the Manawatu District Council after caged birds at the Kowhai Park Aviary were shot last week.


Parks and Reserves Manager, Albert James, said there had been a great deal of public reaction to the incident in which a sulphur-crested cockatoo and a New Zealand wood pigeon (kereru) were killed, as well as a wild muscovy duck.


Three youths, aged 13 to 15, were apprehended by Feilding police, who are dealing with the appropriate agencies as to what type of action should be taken against the offenders.


Mr James said he was appreciative of the messages received, including one from Sydney-based Kevin Johnson, Acting Executive Director of the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria.


“I was saddened to hear of the senseless slaughter,” said Mr Johnson. “This was a cruel and cowardly attack by local youths and I’m glad to hear that the people involved have been caught.”


Mr Johnson said the association would be only too willing to help – “it is at times such as this when it is good to remember that we are all part of a wildlife community”.


Mr James said it was good to know that the council and aviary staffs were not alone.


“A lot of people think that vandalism is a normal act, but when you have to deal with it every day, it is not. It becomes depressing.”


Mr James is expecting to hear from police shortly and hopes the offenders will face the consequences of the attack and come to realise the significance of their actions.