Bird sanctuary celebrates renovations, new additions
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- Published on Thursday, November 19, 2015
Photos by Kira Paterson. From left: North Cypress-Langford deputy reeve Ray Drayson, Kiera Major, Darian Major, Tani Major, Liam Major, bird sanctuary caretaker Jake Birch, BPCF board member Kate Jackman-Atkinson, Neepawa mayor Adrian de Groot and North Cypress-Langford reeve Bob Adriaansen.
By Kate Jackman-Atkinson
Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press
On Nov. 17, the Neepawa Bird Sanctuary held a grand re-opening to recognize the upgrades and improvements made to the facility, located at Rotary Park.
In total, $5,400 worth of work was done, including the construction of two new bird pens, the installation of hardware cloth around entire the perimeter of the sanctuary to keep mink and rodents out, the addition of a proper exhaust system for barn as well as the installation of an insulated door and double pane window for the barn. These upgrades will improve the environment for the animals there.
Money for the projects came from grant donations from the RM of North Cypress-Langford, the Beautiful Plains Community Foundation and the Town of Neepawa.
The event was organized by the Town鈥檚 Leisure Service manager, Amanda Novak.
The ribbon cutting also included a special surprise, the announcement that two emus have been added to the sanctuary. Earlier this fall, Chopper the emu, a long time resident of the sanctuary and popular attraction passed away. The money to purchase the as-yet-unnamed birds was donated by the Major family.
The Town is currently running a contest to name the two emus, one male and one female. Entries can be made through the Town of Neepawa office.
Following the ribbon cutting, a community bon fire and barbeque was held.
With 2015鈥檚 projects completed, the sanctuary is looking towards improvements in 2016, including directional signage on highway, picture signs that depict each exotic bird and where they originate and water lines installed in barn for automatic watering of animals.
Visitors checking out the bird sanctuary鈥檚 newest residents. The young emus arrived over the weekend and were officially unveiled at the ribbon cutting.
