Rotokawau Aviary Trust

Friends of the Aviary is new community trust set up to preserve the Rotokawau Virginia Lake Aviary in Whanganui, New Zealand.

The Aviary has been treasured by the local community and tourist alike since 1979. It is unique in that it is one of few free to view walk through aviaries in New Zealand. It is home to an array of cheeky and chatty parrots from lorikeets to cockatoo’s and many more in-between.

Until 2024 the Whanganui District Council has run the Aviary but they are no longer able to do so and have agreed to give ownership to us, the community in order to preserve it.

We will be following in the steps of other facilities around the world who have moved away from animals in captivity for human pleasure to one focused on conservation and animal well-being education. Our education themes will not only be on the birds in our Aviary, but of the wild-life, flora and fauna readily seen around the lake as well as at home.

It is our mission to continue to provide this wonderful city asset for future generations whilst providing best animal health practices and enriched habitat for the birds.

We are looking for crowdfunding to help keep our feathered friends happy and for these future education initiatives.

If you can help, please donate.

If you would like to volunteer to help with this community project or to know more about us please visit us via our Facebook page.