For anyone who has lived (suffered?) through a home renovation, you know how frustrating and difficult the process can be. But on the other hand, you also know how exciting and rewarding it can be as you see rotten wood, rusted metal, and crumbling concrete being ripped out (amidst curses and epithets that would make a sailor blush) to make way for new materials.

The second of two `alala buildings at the Maui Bird Conservation Center is being renovated to make it sound for future propagation and husbandry of the endangered Hawaiian crow or `alala. The eight aviaries that make up this complex are being razed and rebuilt to ensure they can withstand the harsh weather in Up-Country Maui as well as the daily abuse meted out by the ever-curious (and destructive) `alala.

Kawika General Contracting has taken on the job of renovation and has assured the staff that they will meet the deadline of March 1. This is an important date because breeding season is around the corner and the temporarily displaced `alala will have to be re-installed in their aviaries to begin courtship, nest building, and egg laying. The timing of these construction activities is always crucial to the efficient operations of our facilities. We look forward to working in a building that doesn’t constantly threaten to topple over. We thank the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife for the funding to renovate this building.

Alan Lieberman is the program director for the San Diego Zoo’s Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program.

Posted in Conservation, Default, General, Hawaii Bird Project | Link to this post

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