Wildbase Recovery’s newest trustee Rachel Bowen is predicting the $5.69 million rehabilitation aviaries will be the greatest boost for Palmerston North in a generation. Bowen has been appointed by the city council to fill a vacancy created when former mayor Jono Naylor resigned from the trust.

The council is contributing $837,000 to the project at Victoria Esplanade, which will enable the public to see birds and other wildlife recuperating after they have been treated at Wildbase Hospital at Massey University and before they return to the wild.

Bowen, who is the council’s children and families portfolio holder, said she was excited about the economic and educational benefits the centre would create. “It’s a massive project, and it’s going to be huge for Palmerston North. It’s of national and international significance, and a chance to break down some barriers and truly become a university city.”

Bowen said the ever-changing inhabitants of the aviaries, all with their own survival stories, would encourage repeat visits.

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