Brexit and Avian Flu delay arrival of exotic birds at Fife Zoo

A male blacskmith plover and a female lilac-breasted roller have moved from Birdland in Bourton to their new home at an African-themed walktrhough aviary at Fife Zoo.

The pair of rare birds will share their new enclosure with other species, including Hamerkope, Hornbills, Turacos and Whistling Ducks.

It is hoped that here they will join up with suitable mates, who have been residing at the zoo since 2021.

The move has been a long-time coming, with the journey delayed due to UK-wide restrictions imposed as a result of Avian Influenza.

Fife Zoo director, Mike Knight, said: “We’ve been actively searching across Europe for several new birds to join our African themed aviary, but this has proved difficult following the recent Avian influenza outbreak.

“We’ve also been up against the increased challenges faced with moving animals across Europe since Brexit.

“The new arrivals seem to have settled in really well following their epic journey from the Midlands to Fife.

“Both birds will play an active role in the long-term survival of their species and we hope that they will go on to breed in future seasons.”

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The blacksmith plover (Image: Fife Zoo)

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The lilac-breaster roller is an African bird, widely distributed in southern and eastern areas of the continent.

It is renowned as the national bird of Kenya and is commonly found in open woodland and savannah areas.

Meanwhile, the blacksmith plover is a species of lapwing common in Kenya and Tanzania.

Their numbers in the wild have been growing drastically since the 1930s.

The birds’ new home, Fife Zoo, is currently expanding as part of a ten-year master plan and is also home to animals such as the endangered Grevy’s zebra, meerkats, and lemurs.