A mixed‐species exhibit for A frican water birds (including pelicans, flamingos, spoonbills and storks) at O dense Z oo, D enmark: breeding success, animal welfare and education

Abstract

Odense Z oo, D enmark, has built an aviary for large A frican birds, such as Greater flamingo P hoenicopterus roseus, P ink‐backed pelican P elecanus rufescens, A frican spoonbill P latalea alba and A bdim's stork C iconia abdimii. The decision to build the aviary was based on a strategic move that birds at O dense Z oo would no longer be pinioned. The aim was to enhance animal welfare and, at the same time, improve visitor experience. Overall, the aviary has been a success in terms of visitor experience and bird breeding. All species have bred in the aviary, including A frican spoonbills, P ink‐backed pelicans, G reater flamingos and A bdim's stork. No collision damage has been seen in the birds despite the fact that some have had ‘fast forward’ collisions into the side of the aviary. However, the flexible D yneema netting used means the birds bounce off easily without sustaining any injuries that require veterinary intervention.