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The National Birds of Prey Centre, one of Britains premiere attractions
is open all year round except Christmas Day & Boxing Day
Please browse the site and learn all
about this fantastic centre and the Birds of Prey living here.
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL BIRDS OF PREY CENTRE?
The Centre is home to some 170 birds
of prey, which includes 25 species of owls and 22 species of
eagles, hawks, and falcons; and is one of the premiere birds
of prey centres in the uk. The Centre also has an active captive
breeding programme of many of its residents and also contributes
to conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation of the many species
brought into the Centre each year.
MISSION STATEMENT
The National Birds of Prey Centre seeks to deliver conservation
of birds of prey through captive breeding, rescue and rehabilitation, and research.
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Captive Breeding:
Many of the birds we fly at the Centre are home
bred, although some have been donated as part of an exchange
programme with other zoos. During the breeding season, we do
our best to encourage the birds to breed, including providing
nesting material and in some cases making the nest.
During the breeding process we learn about the
natural behaviour of the birds and can understand their development
which can at times be valuable as part of a research project
either on-site or in the wild in conjunction with another centre
or with scientists. One of our current aims is a breed and release
programme with the White Tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus Albicilla).:
Education:
The Centre aims to educate every visitor to the
Centre from the moment they arrive until they leave by having
ample information on the aviaries and next to or near the birds
on the lawns. This is continued through the daily flying demonstrations
which we try to make entertaining and informative.
During 2007 the education room will be improved,
this already contains some useful education material. The 2007
guide book also contains useful information on the Centre and
its birds.
A number of courses are run at the Centre which
are specifically designed for the serious minded and potential
bird owner. These are the Five Day Falconry Course, and the Police
Wildlife Liason Course. We also run experience (taster) days
with either falcons, hawking, or owls as the theme.
The Centre also visits many schools with owls
from primary to secondary level, however, a visit to the Centre
is always more beneficial.
We also take work experience students throughout
the year from schools and colleges and foreign schools such as
Van Hal Institute in Holland.
Research:
Although the Centre itself is only just becoming
involved with research, we do make the collection available for
research such as DNA studies and biology but we are careful that
any research project does not have an adverse impact on our birds.
Rescue and Rehabilitation:
The Centre takes in many injured, sick, recued
and confiscated birds each year (162 in 2006). Dependent on the
weather or abundancy of food this can vary. The birds can come
from all over the UK, very often as a result of an RSPCA recommendation.
Where possible they are treated by the Centre, many are just
weak or very young and once recovered and strong, they are released
back into the wild. Some require a visit by the Centre's vet
who will decide if it can be released or if not it will remain
and be cared for by us for the rest of its life.
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