Marape opens aviary for bird of paradise

By AILEEN KWARAGU
A NEW Bird of Paradise aviary at the Adventure Park was officially opened by Prime Minister James Marape on Sunday.
Marape, who was the guest of honour, said the aviary was significant because there were no other birds in the world like the Bird of Paradise.
“In the face of the many challenges the country is facing on how to refine the right paths as we go forward, as far as our development assurance is concern, this small occasion is symbolic for us to identify ourselves and where our strength lies,” he, said at the opening at Adventure Park’s 14-Mile property outside Port Moresby.
There are about nine different species of the Bird of Paradise found from the Highlands to the lowlands of PNG. Six species can be found at the aviary.
With the Bird of Paradise becoming endangered, National Capital District Governor and founder of Adventure Park, Powes Parkop said: “The Bird of Paradise is our national symbol so the aviary is something that we want to do as part of our way to preserve, conserve and restore it.”
The Bird of Paradise Aviary was built by North Build Construction PNG Ltd in a partnership with the National Capital District Commission.
Parkop said the aviary would also promote awareness on indigenous bird species as well.