Credit: Stephen Forsey
Bird of Prey & Mammal Centre
The Centre holds close to 100 birds from all over the world, including eagles, falcons, owls, and a songbird aviary. You can pre-book your visit to coincide with one of our amazing daily flying displays featuring a range of birds.*
In our walk-through Mammal Centre, there’s playful meerkats and African pygmy goats to see. The wallabies in the wooded walkway love being hand-fed by visitors too! (Ask at the Bird of Prey Centre for details.)
*Flying displays are subject to weather and seasonal time changes.
Birds of Prey
The magnificent collection of birds on display includes species from every continent in the world. Learn more about incredible raptors such as hawks, eagles, falcons and owls, and marvel at exotics including Cara Cara, Kookaburra, and Tawny Frogmouths.
The successful captive breeding programme produces delightful fluffy chicks which can be seen from April onwards. There are many owl species in the programme, including native Little and Snowy Owls to the very much more exotic Spectacled Owl. Some of these can be seen flying in the demonstrations alongside new falcons bred at the centre from August onwards.
Mammals
Collect a portion of specialised food from the gift shop and enjoy getting hands-on with the animals in the ever-expanding Mammal Centre. The meerkates on Meerkat Island are guaranteed to raise a smile with their cheeky antics. Keep an eye out for super-cute babies in the Spring and Summer!
‘Hop’ into Wallaby Wood and meet the friendly wallabies in this interactive walk-through paddock. Joeys can often be spotted peeping from their mothers’ pouches! The pygmy goats and rare breed sheep are always a favourite too.
Experience Days
There’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre. Join one of the daily flying displays where the highly trained falconers demonstrate the incredible capabilities of a range of birds. A range of experience days include an Owl Experience and Hawk Walk when you can be a falconer for the day.
Information
The Bird of Prey & Mammal Centre is approximately 10 minute walk from the Arboretum entrance and Tea Room.
Dogs are not allowed into the Bird of Prey & Mammal Centre. There is an area outside where you can secure them.
Baby changing facilities are provided, as well as a disabled toilet.
Flying displays are weather dependant. In the event that weather conditions prevent the birds from flying, there will be the opportunity to meet some of the centre’s favourite characters for a hands-on experience.
The gift shop is fully stocked with a range of toys, games, books and gifts for all – call in for a look around.
Independently owned and managed by Tom Graham, the Bird of Prey & Mammal Centre is located in the Walled Garden at the north end of the Arboretum.
Tel: 01677 427 755
Email: falcons.thorp@gmail.com