Rockhampton Zoo Dome Aviary closed until further notice

Published on 25 March 2021

Rockhampton Zoo’s dome aviary has been closed until further notice due to the enclosure’s birds testing positive for Salmonella.

Zoo Director, Liz Bellward said the aviary’s closure is part of a number of precautionary steps which commenced as soon as some of the birds showed signs of illness.

“We are confident we have contained the outbreak to the site and this is a credit to our staff and those early safety measures,” Ms Bellward said.

“We believe the disease may have entered the enclosure through transmission by rodents or possibly wild birds who often land on top of the dome.

“The next steps will include fully treating the dome – removing and replacing soil, treating all hard surfaces, trimming back trees and implementing some form of barrier to stop wild birds landing on the top of the dome as an additional precaution.”

While the outbreak has been contained to the dome, Ms Bellward said it has led to a heartbreaking outcome.

“After consultation with numerous vets and avian experts, given the potential suffering of the birds, the trauma of treatment, and the possible reoccurring outbreaks, the most humane decision for the birds was for them to be euthanised,” Ms Bellward said.

“Although Salmonella can be treated in birds, the process itself is extremely traumatic and the stress would most likely result in a number of the birds passing.

“Even if the birds survived the treatment, some of the birds may remain carriers of the disease which means we could experience repeated outbreaks. This also makes rehoming the birds unviable.

“We have worked through every possible alternative with experts and unfortunately this is what we believe to be the best option.”

Echoing Ms Bellward’s words, Sports, Parks and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said it would be an incredibly tough time for both the keepers who care for the animals, and the community who love the zoo.

“Our zoo staff pour their heart and souls into caring for these animals and it is awful to be in the position that we’re in. Improvements in the area will ensure that the risk of recurrence is low.

“The zoo has Council’s full support in making this tremendously difficult decision and I know the community will also feel this deeply as we lose these much-loved animals.

“I want to assure everyone that we have explored all other options before going down this path,” Cr Rutherford said.

The dome aviary will remain closed until further notice. The birds will be euthanised by a qualified vet.