Auckland Zoo Support Aviary Retractables

BUILD

The Aotearoa New Zealand Forest Birds Support Aviary project at Auckland Zoo required a carefully considered solution that would provide reliable weather protection while maintaining a healthy and adaptable environment for both birds and keepers. Located within the zoo’s specialist support aviary facilities, the project involved the design, manufacture and installation of a bespoke manual retractable canopy system over the existing aviary and adjacent keeper workspace.

The client sought a solution that could respond to changing weather conditions while still allowing natural light and airflow into the enclosure. Equally important was the ability for zookeepers to control the system easily without entering the aviary, minimising disruption to the birds and improving day-to-day operational efficiency.

To meet these requirements, four independently operated manual retractable roof systems were installed. The canopies were fabricated using Hiraoka Superscreen 401 in white, a high-strength PVC-coated polyester mesh selected specifically for its 25% light transmission properties. This material provides an effective balance between shelter and natural illumination, allowing the environment beneath the canopies to remain comfortable while protecting against rain and harsh weather conditions.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the project was the custom-designed operating system. All ropes were routed through a series of bespoke pulleys and returned to a central corridor, enabling each canopy to be retracted or deployed independently by keepers from a single accessible location. This eliminated the need for staff to enter the aviary to operate the roofs and provided greater flexibility in managing the space throughout the day.

Working within an existing operational aviary presented a number of unique challenges. Strict requirements prevented any alterations or attachments to the existing aviary mesh structure, meaning the retractable system had to be integrated without modifying the enclosure in any way. Rope paths were carefully designed and routed through the existing mesh to ensure they remained inaccessible to the birds while preserving the integrity of the aviary.

Additional coordination was required to accommodate the aviary’s existing pest-proofing measures. The electric deterrent wires used to prevent cats from neighbouring properties accessing the aviary were modified and integrated with the new retractable roof structure, ensuring the enclosure's protection systems remained fully operational following completion of the works. The project also required careful planning due to the confined working environment and retrofit nature of the installation.

The completed project delivers a practical and highly functional solution that enhances the daily operation of the support aviary while maintaining the welfare of its occupants. By combining specialist retractable canopy technology with thoughtful integration into an existing enclosure, the project demonstrates how innovative lightweight structures can be tailored to meet the unique requirements of animal care environments.