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Birdland Park and Gardens: Ten Key Facts About This Gloucestershire Wildlife Attraction
Birdland Park and Gardens, located in the charming Cotswolds village of Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire, is one of the UK's most popular family wildlife attractions. Set in nine acres of beautiful gardens, woodland and riverside habitats, the park is home to over 500 birds from around the world, including rare and exotic species. This comprehensive guide explores ten essential facts about Birdland, from its fascinating history to its unique animal residents and conservation efforts.
Birdland Park and Gardens in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, is a popular wildlife attraction home to over 500 exotic birds, including England's only breeding group of King Penguins.
Location and Setting
Birdland Park and Gardens is situated in Bourton-on-the-Water, a picturesque village in Gloucestershire, within the heart of the Cotswolds. The attraction spans nine acres and features a magical combination of wildlife, woodland, riverside habitats and beautiful gardens, making it a perfect day out for visitors seeking natural beauty.
Bird Collection Size
The park is home to over 500 birds from around the world, housed within more than 150 open aviaries. This extensive collection includes exotic species such as flamingos, pelicans, cranes, cassowaries, and rare birds like the Waldrapp Ibis, making it one of the largest collections of exotic birds in the UK.
King Penguin Breeding Colony
Birdland is home to England's only breeding group of King Penguins, a significant attraction for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can watch these charming birds swim, feed and interact in their specially designed habitat, offering rare opportunities to observe this species in the UK.
Historical Background
Birdland first opened in 1957 in the grounds of a Tudor manor house called Chardwar. The park moved to its current location in Bourton-on-the-Water in 1989. Founded by Len Hill, known as the 'Penguin Millionaire', the attraction has evolved from a small private collection into one of the UK's premier wildlife parks.
Jurassic Journey Dinosaur Experience
The park features Jurassic Journey, a prehistoric adventure where children can follow dinosaur footprints and discover life-sized dinosaurs lurking between the trees. This interactive area includes a Tyrannosaurus Rex and other prehistoric creatures, providing educational entertainment for families.
Parliament of Owls
Birdland's newest addition, the Parliament of Owls, allows visitors to meet remarkable owl species in an immersive environment. This attraction showcases various owl varieties and provides educational insights into these fascinating birds of prey through keeper presentations and close encounters.
Pandemonium of Parrots
The vibrant Pandemonium of Parrots area amaze visitors with colourful and exotic parrot species including macaws and lorikeets. This attraction highlights the park's commitment to showcasing the beauty and diversity of parrot species from around the world in spacious, naturalistic enclosures.
Out of Africa Area
The Out of Africa area features hornbills, village weavers and other remarkable bird species from the African continent. This section of the park provides visitors with an immersive experience of African wildlife habitats while educating about conservation efforts for these species in their native range.
Riverside Habitats
The winding River Windrush flows through the park, creating scenic riverside habitats that support various waterfowl species. Visitors can spot flamingos, pelicans, cranes and other waterbirds in these naturalistic settings, enhancing the park's appeal as a diverse wildlife destination.
Conservation and Education Focus
Birdland combines conservation, education and unforgettable wildlife encounters through daily keeper talks and close encounter sessions. The attraction focuses on breeding programs for endangered species and provides educational experiences that promote awareness of wildlife conservation efforts.
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