Visitors left in the dark by £400,000 aviary

A bird sanctuary’s new £400,000 aviary has been called a waste of money after visitors complained of being unable to see inside.

The Cooper-thompson Rescue Aviary promised to offer a “360-degree viewing experience” of 200 exotic birds when it opened last month in Bournemouth, Dorset. However, the double-layered metal grill walls and solid roof mean the facility is too dark for people to see most of the birds.

The dome, which was part-funded by £266,255 in public donations, has left visitors underwhelmed. One said: “All you can see is shadow.”

The council said it plans to trial new options to allow better visibility.