Twycross Zoo has initiated an urgent public appeal to help fund the care of its avian residents after Storm Goretti inflicted significant structural damage to two bird aviaries earlier this month. The severe weather event, which struck on Thursday, 8 January, brought extreme winds and heavy snowfall that led to the collapse of the enclosures.
Immediate Welfare Concerns Following Structural Failure
The damaged aviaries housed a diverse collection of bird species, including finches, cranes, speckled pigeons, and hamerkop. Thanks to the prompt and professional response from the zoo's dedicated animal care teams, all birds were swiftly secured and moved to safe, temporary accommodations. No injuries to the animals were reported, but the incident has created immediate and ongoing welfare challenges.
Financial Pressures Beyond Insurance Coverage
While insurance provisions will contribute towards the physical reconstruction of the aviaries, zoo management has highlighted substantial additional costs associated with animal care during the interim period. These expenses include specialised feeding, veterinary oversight, heating, and environmental enrichment while new permanent habitats are designed and constructed.
Lynsey Bugg, Senior Curator at Twycross Zoo, explained the situation: "Our absolute priority has been the welfare of the birds. Our teams acted quickly to make sure they were safe, warm and well cared for following the storm. While insurance will help us rebuild, there are vital care costs during this period that aren't fully covered. We're asking for support to help us look after the birds while we rebuild their new homes."
Deliberate and Transparent Approach to Fundraising
The zoo confirmed that it conducted thorough damage assessments and clarified insurance parameters before launching the public appeal. This measured approach was taken to ensure responsible and transparent communication with potential supporters.
"We wanted to be responsible and transparent before asking for help," a zoo representative stated. "Once we had clarity, we felt it was right to invite our community to support us in caring for the birds during this recovery period."
Direct Allocation of Donated Funds
All contributions received through the appeal will be directed exclusively towards supporting the birds' welfare needs during the reconstruction phase. The fundraising campaign is currently active through Twycross Zoo's official JustGiving platform, providing a secure channel for public donations.
The zoo, which serves as an important conservation and education centre in the Midlands, has emphasised its commitment to maintaining high welfare standards throughout the recovery process while working to restore permanent habitats for its avian collection.
