Diergaarde Blijdorp has completed essential repairs to the netting of its large aviary within the okapi enclosure following months of visible damage and structural deterioration. According to a spokesperson for the zoo, the bird enclosure—which houses species such as glossy starlings, turacos, and bee-eaters—was repaired after years of wear exacerbated by heavy snowfall. The zoo confirmed that no animals escaped during the period the enclosure was compromised.
Why was the aviary closed for repairs?
The netting at the okapi enclosure had reached the end of its functional lifespan, according to a ZooFlits report citing a Blijdorp spokesperson. While the zoo performed temporary patches following heavy snow damage years ago, recent inspections revealed new tears and holes large enough for birds to pass through. Additionally, sections of the netting had detached from the primary steel frame, necessitating a more comprehensive intervention.
The okapi enclosure at Diergaarde Blijdorp has been a site of ongoing structural maintenance since 2015. Zoo officials describe the recent project as a “first step” toward “the structural maintenance of this aviary.”
How did the zoo manage bird safety during the maintenance?
Diergaarde Blijdorp opted to move the affected birds to holding areas behind the scenes and into a greenhouse near the okapi stalls while the net repairs were underway. The zoo spokesperson stated that this precautionary measure ensured no birds escaped. The repair work focused primarily on replacing the roof netting, though staff also addressed smaller, necessary patches on the side walls during the closure.
What caused the delay in maintenance?
The zoo faced a months-long delay in finalizing the repairs. Blijdorp officials attributed this timeline to a combination of factors, including budget, project planning, delivery time, and the availability of the contractor. The current work marks a shift toward long-term structural upkeep for the habitat.
When visiting large zoo aviaries, look for signs of “netting integrity.” If you notice patches or sagging in high-tension areas, it is often a sign that the facility is managing the natural degradation of materials before a full replacement project begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did any birds escape from the damaged aviary? No. According to a zoo spokesperson, there were no birds escaped.
- What species live in this enclosure? The area houses various African bird species, specifically glossy starlings, turacos, and bee-eaters.
- Is the okapi enclosure open to the public? Yes.
- Will there be more work on this enclosure? Yes. Blijdorp describes this project as an initial phase of a longer-term structural maintenance plan.
Have you visited the okapi habitat at Blijdorp recently? Share your thoughts on how modern zoos should balance historic architecture with animal safety in the comments below. For more updates on zoo infrastructure and animal welfare, subscribe to our newsletter.
