BIRDS being kept in the aviary at Bournemouth's Lower Gardens could die after vandals made several holes in the fencing.

The incident happened on the night of Thursday, August 16.

Many of the rescue birds being housed in the aviary managed to return, however, some have not been found and volunteers say the birds are at risk of dying.

Volunteer Hannah Cumming said: “The birds that we can't find will certainly die. They are not native to this country and have been reared in an aviary meaning they don't know how to fend for themselves and are extremely vulnerable to predators."

Hannah said the birds are all homeless rescue birds and are donated, often when their owner passes away and without the aviary they wouldn’t have a home.

She added: “The aviary is supported by donations and staffed by volunteers who go to great lengths to provide the best care for the birds. Needless to say, we are devastated by this cruel and thoughtless act.”

Cathi Farrer, foundation manager at Bournemouth Parks Foundation, said: “Malicious acts like this demonstrate the need for a new, sturdier aviary to protect the birds."

Bournemouth Parks Foundation is fundraising to rebuild the aviary that will give the birds more flight space and offer a 360-degree viewing experience.

They are almost half-way towards their £200,000 funding target.

Donations to rebuild the aviary can be made by texting ‘SPEAK’ to 70003 or visiting bournemouthparksfoundation.org.uk.