Aviaries revamp a soaring success
DZG’s triple aviaries revamp has proved a soaring success.
Work on the three large aviaries, plus two smaller areas for exotic species, rearing room, bird kitchen and off-show internal quarters has been completed by volunteers Geoff Benbow, from West Bromwich, and Rob Jurczenko, from Tipton, who have using their carpentry skills on site for the past two years.
Throughout the past two months the £7,000 project has seen the dynamic duo laying wooden flooring, installing electrical points and heating plus fixing new roofs.
DZG Head of Media and Communications, Jill Hitchman, said: “Originally we planned to refurb a couple of the aviaries, but then decided to go for it big time and work on the whole of the section.
“Much of the work has gone on behind the scenes in off-show internal dens and rearing and incubation rooms, which although off-limits to the general public still need to be kept in good order.”
Trainee keeper Alex Randle in one of DZG’s revamped aviaries.
Volunteers Rob and Geoff add the finishing touches to the new-look aviaries.
BE A VOLUNTEER AT DZG – WHAT SKILLS COULD YOU OFFER?
We’re a diverse business, it’s not all about animals there are 40-acres of gardens and grounds including woodland so gardeners are always on our list, there’s an 11th century castle at the heart of the site which appeals to historians and archaeologists and we are constantly developing visual arts projects with local photographers and film makers.
This season we are on the lookout for new skills.
Jill said: “Rob and Geoff are brilliant volunteers. They have been with us for several years and their skills base is much valued.
“Many of our volunteers are young people who are trying to get on the career ladder within the industry and see volunteering as work experience so inevitably we lose them within a few months’ service, but we are now looking for people with a range of skills who have something to offer our business, as Rob and Geoff have.”
Do YOU have skills that may be of use to DZG? If so send a covering letter and CV by email to admin@dudleyzoo.org.uk or by post to Administration Dept, Dudley Zoological Gardens, Castle Hill, Dudley, DY1 4QF
