Island of dense Forest offers dwelling of Bird of Paradise

By Norman John Puk

The Island of dense forest offers the best natural habituate for Bird of Paradise in the Baiyer River Area.  The renowned Bird sanctuary in the country was fortunate to be covered with thick forest to keep the rare species of Bird of Paradise breeding and multiplying in numbers. The Bird of Paradise lives in the former zoo for years provided the best virgin forest. The Ukuni tribe around the vicinity of the Baiyer Zoo were forbidden to cut any tree or kill any animals by their village elders. The conservation of the rare species of Reggiana Bird of Paradise and the site allows the reviving of the famous zoo. The rehabilitation phase is currently underway to bring back the Zoo to its former glory days.  The different species of Bird of Paradise were found to occupy the zoo among other wild animals. The site was abandoned for more than twenty years and it is covered with thick tropical rainforest. 

A Local from Ukuni Tribe walking through the Zoo

Mugka River passes through the fringes of the Zoo adds more into its natural features. The amazing and beautiful Baiyer Zoo will soon be frequented by tourists once rehabilitation is completed. Some of the old cages of different animals were still there to be seen. The wrecks were covered with crawling plants and provided an attractive environment for insects and birds.  

Mugka River passes through the Famous Baiyer Zoo

The Bird Sanctuary shortly be a tourism hotspot in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.

A recent visit by experts from Howarig Traders (Tourism e-marking agents) based in Mount Hagen had expressed sentiments of relief.  The team carried out site assessments and evaluation had satisfied with the progress of the rehabilitation program.

Tracks along the Bird Sanctuary

The Local Member of Parliament Honourable Koi Trappe has initiated the rehabilitation of the well-known bird Sanctuary by allocating funding from its District Support Grants.  The administration building of the site will soon be erected as foundation works were completed.  

The bird watching site is interestingly gaining facelift. Chic tracks were established by the locals through the jungle-island of Birds. The bridged that connect the zoo were half washed away by Mugka River during flooding. Locals managed to get over using the existing bridge believed to be built during the colonial times.

For more information regarding bird watching in Papua New Guinea contact the writer via email: howarigmedia@gmail.com or sms; (+675) 73668740.

Photo Credit: Niugini Exotic Tours