Castle Espie has seen a reduction in the number of birds kept in captivity as staff and managers point to a combination of avian influenza outbreaks, rising costs and complications transporting animals since the United Kingdom left the European Union.
Officials at the centre said stringent biosecurity measures introduced to limit the spread of avian flu have constrained movement and holding of certain species, while outbreaks have forced temporary removals and changes to husbandry practices. Those measures, they added, have affected breeding and display programmes.
The centre also highlighted that new rules and practical difficulties around moving animals across borders since Brexit have increased paperwork, added delays and driven up transport costs. Those factors, together with growing operational expenses for housing and veterinary care, contributed to decisions to reduce or rehome some birds.
Staff described the changes as part of a broader need to balance animal welfare, biosecurity and financial sustainability. They said the centre is reviewing its collections and working with partners to prioritise conservation and educational activities while adapting to the altered regulatory and disease landscape.
The developments at Castle Espie reflect wider challenges facing zoological and conservation institutions that manage captive populations, as they navigate disease risks and regulatory change alongside funding pressures.