Bird feeding at park “actively discouraged” amid fowl and public health concerns
Feeding the birds at Western Springs park will now be “actively discouraged” with new signage and on-site education due to disease and environmental risks.
Large geese populations, water pollution, malnourished birds, and a lack of biodiversity are some of the ongoing issues caused by people feeding the birds, said bird expert.
The new policy was unanimously supported by the Waitemata Local Board last week and will begin with “interpretive signage and education promoted by park activities” that teaches the benefits of not feeding the park’s birds.
The increased population of fowl increases the threat of bird flu and salmonella, which is an issue in such a busy public park said Ian Mclean, Auckland representative of Birds New Zealand who advised the board on the policy.
Many of the geese and ducks have developed tumours and wing deformities from malnutrition, he said.
“From an animal welfare point of view, it’s pretty poor. If anyone owned those geese they would be facing charges from the SPCA for the ill treatment of animals.
“If we stop feeding birds, we stop relying on volunteers to pick up dead and dying birds over the summer and taking them to bird rescue or burying them,” he stressed.
Pippa Coom, Waitemata Local Board chair, said there is currently some signage that discourages feeding birds at the park, however a stronger approach is needed to stop all feeding.
“It is a cultural change because people have become used to feeding ducks at the park, but what we know now about the negative impact is that we really do need to change that.”
The park, next to the Auckland zoo, is a popular destination for locals and tourists with its wildlife and natural spring lake at its centre, which has been a popular spot for bird feeding.
Faith Cleverley
Here's a riddle to round out your week.
Grandpa went for a walk, and it started raining.
He forgot to bring an umbrella and didn’t have a hat.
When he got home, his clothes were soaking wet, but not a hair on his head was wet.
How was this possible?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Do you have a DIY (or DIY disaster) dad?
Is your dad superb with sandpaper, pristine with a palette knife and perfect with a paintbrush? Or maybe he's risky with a roller, mad with masking tape and comedic when cutting in? Either way we'd like to hear about your DIY dad and why he deserves to win this Father's Day.
Tell us about your DIY dad for a chance to win him $1000 worth of Resene paint products!
Plus all entries will be in with a chance to win their DIY Dad one of our colourful spot prizes.
We had to think about this one for a little bit to figure it out!
Ms.Smith has four daughters. Each daughter has a brother. How many kids are there in total?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Loading…
