The Aviary is a little 'left-of-centre' of the 5.7ha public park, which is bounded on four sides by Summer, Clinton, Kite and Sampson Streets in Orange.
"This aviary and the reasons we have Cook Park, are linked to the 'Public Park' movement that began in England in the 1830s as an attempt to improve the lives of inner city residents living in poverty.
"Keeping animals in cages has always prompted discussion, about the educational value of experiencing animals up-close versus the impact on the welfare of the animals being kept in captivity.
"The birds in this aviary are nurtured and cared for by Council staff, and the aviary complies with the Exhibited Animals Protection Act (1986). All of the birds have been bred in captivity and would not survive in the wild."
Around the Aviary are various printed signs elaborating on the birds kept here. They include: Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulates), Cockatiel (Leptophus hollanducus), Red-rumped Parrot (Psephotus haematantus), Crimson Rosella (Platycerus elegans), King Parrot (Alisterus seyoularus), Galah (Cacatua roseicapilla), Long-billed Corella (Cacatua tenuirostris), and, the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cactua gaterita).
Budgerigar, and Cockatiel
Red-rumped Parrot & Crimson Rosella
King Parrot and Galah
Long-Billed Corella and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Another printed sign at the northern end of the enclosure states:
"The Cook Park Bird Aviary is divided into three distinct enclosures, which include native bird species.
"Budgerigars and Cockatiels live together at the southern of the aviaries, feeding on a mix of small and large seed, insects, fruit and vegetables. The Budgerigars nest and roost undercover, while the cockatiels nest and roost in the main enclosure."
Visited: 1510, Saturday, 12 November, 2022