'Do right by parrots' - PETA launches petition to stop new parrot experience in Talbot Road, Blackpool

An animal rights charity has launched a petition to stop a parrot experience attraction opening in Blackpool.

Blackpool Council recieved an application on behalf of Mr Przemyslaw Antonowicz to transform the ground floor premises at 64-66 Talbot Road into a large indoor space, with artificial ‘jungle’ foliage, where the parrots would freely fly around, and smaller areas where customers would be able to “interact with the birds individually”.

PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has slammed the proposals and is urging planners to reject the application.

They are also calling on members of the public to support their efforts.

The charity said “parrots are not here for human entertainment” and that their objections centre on the fact parrots are highly intelligent, sensitive animals who, in nature, would live in complex social groups, fly long distances every day, and spend their time foraging, exploring, and communicating with their flock. They claim in an experience like this one, birds would be confined indoors and deprived of most everything that comes naturally to them.

PETA’s Senior Campaigns Manager, Kate Werner said: “If this plan goes ahead, birds will be condemned to a stressful and miserable life in captivity, where they’ll be gawped at by paying visitors.

“Birds deserve the freedom to fly and explore, not be exploited for entertainment. PETA is calling for Blackpool Council to do right by parrots and reject this proposal.”

The proposals were submitted on behalf of Mr Przemyslaw Antonowicz by Lee Fenton Planning Services.

In a heritage statement, a spokesman for Lee Fenton Planning Services said: “The existing use seems to be that of an A3 restaurant but has more recently been used as an ice cream shop.

“The proposed use will be as a ‘parrot experience’, where visitors to the resort can book a session to interact with free-roaming parrots and other exotic birds.

“This application seeks planning permission for the change of use of the existing ground floor commercial premises to form a unique ‘parrot experience’, which is considered a Sui Generis use.

“The building would be divided internally to form a modest reception area at the front of the building. This will provide space for visitors to enter with a comfortable amount of circulation space.

“Here, patrons would pay their fee and sign the necessary waivers before entering the main bird area.”

The main bird area would be separated from the reception by a rope netting wall, in keeping with the jungle / wildlife theme of the attraction, whilst still letting natural light through from the front windows.

Within the bird area, the parrots would be flying free, with branches, artificial foliage and other purpose-built jungle themed items around the edges of the room.

The statement continued: “Key feature items (such as artificial trees) will help subdivide the large space to create smaller areas for visitors to interact with the birds individually.

“To the rear of the main bird space will be two doors – one for staff and one for patrons.

“Patrons will have access to a rest area / coat room and WC. Staff have access to the prep area and rear access door. There is also a separate laundry / wash room.”

The applicant will seek to address potential noise issues by involving less ‘vocal’ species such as Macaws, which produce a maximum noise level of 70-80 dB.

It is also proposed that the existing ceiling (which will already contain an element of sound proofing) is over boarded with 15mm acoustic plasterboard.

Below this, 100mm of rigid board Kingspan insulation will be installed. Below this, a second layer of acoustic plasterboard will be installed.

The ceiling will then be skimmed and painted, the statement adds.

PETA said parrots bred in captivity retain the same natural instincts as those born in nature, meaning they require the same space, stimulation, and meaningful social interactions with their own species as their wild counterparts. Without this opportunity to express natural behaviour, in captivity, they experience long-term stress and frustration which manifests as aggression and self-harm such as feather-plucking, bar biting and repetitive head bobbing.

A spokesman for Blackpool Council said: “Blackpool Council has received a planning application for the proposed premises.

“The activity will require a licence for the exhibition of animals. To date no application for has been made and it would not be appropriate to pre-empt a decision without the process having taken place.”

You can read PETA’s petition here.

The applicant’s planning agent has been approached for comment.