Emma Morgan

Sefton Council voted to close the nearly 90-year-old Southport Botanic Gardens aviary in 2027, citing concerns that the enclosure is outdated, inhumane and fails to meet modern animal welfare standards. Council leader Marion Atkinson said the decision prioritizes bird welfare, while community volunteers and opposition councillors argued that the aviary is a valued local asset and could be maintained with external funding. A motion to keep the aviary open was narrowly rejected after debate over financial, welfare and ethical considerations.