Modest start for sanctuary

Press, 15 July 1982, Page 5

Modest start for sanctuary

Avian Welfare Project organisers have settled for a less grandiose start to a Christchurch wild bird hospital and sanctuary. No definite site has yet been found for the hospital complex which will take years of fund-raising to build. Until then, the project plans converting a garage into a temporary home for its present backyard enterprise. A project director. Mr Jim Baggstrom, said that the stop-gap measure would cost about $lO,OOO and last at least five years. At times he has more than 50 sick and wounded birds on his property, and housing them under one roof would make thir care easier. Town-planning approval

has arrived from the Waimari ' District Council, and the project has already raised about $5OOO, enough to erect and start equipping the 44 sq. m. prefabricated garage shell. Sewerage facilities and a heating system would cost more money, but Mr Baggstrom said that a Christchurch firm had sold a freezer and refrigerator cheaply to him to keep the birds' fish, meat, and feed. The project is one of three local animal-welfare groups running a mini-market at .the Centennial Hall, Spreydon. Dog Watch, which runs a home for lost dogs, and S.A.F.E. (Save all Animals from Experiments) will sell clothes, furniture, and other goods to raise money.