🦜🦜 2018 Adorable Parrots and Birds of the Hamilton Aviary

Sunday, 06 May 2018 01:00.AM
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It all started 90 years ago

At the turn of the century, Thomas Gould left $3,000 of his estate to the Hamilton Zoological Society for a specific purpose "to make the Dundurn Park Zoo more attractive for little children". The money was invested while the Society pondered its use. In May, 1927, when the sum had grown to $5,000, the Society decided to remodel the animal house at the Zoo and turn it into an aviary. The Hamilton Parks Board agreed to do the work and the Society agreed to find the birds.

With the help of Dr. Crandell, curator of the Buffalo Zoo, the plans were approved in September 1927. The aviary was opened on June 1, 1928. William L. Hayes was the first supervisor. Mrs. W.D. Christenson of Port Nelson and the Hamilton Bird Society donated the first birds. The collection continued to grow and was looked after by Parks Department employees.

From 1992 the Hamilton Aviary started working on volunteering basis because of budget cuts from the City of Hamilton. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers giving countless hours of time, energy and effort to care for the flock at the aviary!

They contribute their talents and skills in many different areas to ensure the successful running of the aviary and well-being of the flock.

New round of government cuts are coming, and aviary forced to vacate it's current building. June 30th is a deadline to finalize a new location.

Take your kids to visit feathered friends. Hamilton Aviary is open every Saturday from 1-4PM to the public. Entry is free! Every and all donations go directly back to the birds, their wellbeing, and their happiness.

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