Anonymous $1M donation to Hamilton’s Aviary rescinded

A $1 million donation intended to help save the Westdale Bird Sanctuary was taken off the table last week. 

The bird sanctuary was saved last September after an anonymous donor offered $1 million to help the aviary move to a new location.

At Friends of the Aviary, we have a strong sense of morality and stewardship for Hamilton's feathered friends. We educate the community about what responsible bird companionship entails, and by doing so we are using an upstream approach to mitigate future animal welfare issues. pic.twitter.com/uTyliDSkxm

— Kristen Gale (@KristenGale4) March 8, 2020

After their current building started to fall apart, the city stepped in and offered to move the aviary, but struck a deal where the sanctuary pays rent month-to-month. 

Staff at the sanctuary believe the city is looking to get out of the bird business. The gift was supposed to be included in a greenhouse project last year but the city says it needed more time to consider a new location.

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The Mayor has stated that he will not support the Aviary in the 2021 budget and as a result, the donor’s timeline will not be met, prompting her to retract the offer.

The Westdale Bird Sanctuary is currently home to 60 parrots, cockatoos, and budgies. 

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