Hop Along To Birdland and Meet the Penguins This May Half Term
Visitors are invited to hop along to Birdland Park & Gardens over the May Half Term holidays (May 25th – June 2nd) and join their Penguin Week celebrations.
There’s a packed programme of penguin-themed events and activities taking place throughout the holidays.
The Bourton-on-the-Water wildlife attraction looks after England’s only breeding colony of king penguins which share their beach-themed home with a group of comical Humboldts.
Head Keeper Alistair Keen said: “This really is the best time to come and see the king penguins as they are just starting to show off their beach bodies in search of a mate.
“They’ve shed their winter coats and have been busily feeding up to get the extra energy needed to produce a beautifully sleek summer plumage.”
Keepers will be putting visitors penguin know-how to the test with a special quiz about everybody’s favourite flightless birds, plus there’s the chance to watch the penguin being fed and learn about their favourite foods and individual personalities.
There will be twice daily feeding displays at 11am and 2.30pm with herring on the menu for the king penguins and sprats for the Humboldts.
“Each of the penguins definitely has its own unique personality and they love to play. Our two hand-reared penguins; Spike and Charlotte, are particularly friendly,” said Alistair.
“As the colony is now beginning to pair up we’re also likely to see lots of bizarre courtship rituals on display,” he added.
Many of the penguins have appeared on TV and in films and the park is also home to Missy who, at age 40, is believed to be the oldest king penguin in the world.
With its combination of woodland, riverside and gardens, Birdland features more than 500 birds, ranging from birds of prey and parrots to cassowaries and cranes in a mix of free-flying and aviary displays.
Explore Gloucestershire
17 May 2019
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