The latest investment at Blackpool Zoo is sure to have bird lovers flocking!

Species from across the globe are settling into a 10,000sq ft purpose built aviary, which cost £12,500 and is situated on the site of the former Children’s Zoo.

The critically endangered Waldrapp Ibis has taken residence along with African Spoonbills, Sacred Ibis, Black-crowned Night Herons, White Storks, Little Egrets and Eider Ducks.

With such a huge array of birds there is so much to see and hear. Watch out for the African Spoonbill, which uses its open bill to catch food by swinging it from side to side in the water.

Or listen for the hard croak of the Sacred Ibis, which, in ancient Egypt, was used to make pools safe for bathing by feeding on the water snails that carried deadly parasites.

The Waldrapp Ibis, with its distinctive long, curved red bill, disappeared from Europe over 30 years ago and there is thought to be only around 500 left in Southern Morocco and Syria.

Jude Rothwell, Marketing and PR Co-ordinator at Blackpool Zoo, said: “It is wonderful to see a new home for so many beautiful and interesting birds.

“The sights and sounds are amazing and, as the birds hail from around the world, there is always something new for people to learn.

“This is the latest attraction in our investment programme, which is aimed at continually adding to the experience of visiting Blackpool Zoo and we are very much looking forward to seeing the public’s reaction.”

The aviary has been under construction throughout the spring and the birds moved in at the beginning of July.