Experience a Bird’s Eye View of Christmas

Looking for a great way to enjoy a fun day out over the festive period? Then why not hop along to Birdland Park & Gardens to greet an array of festive feathered friends.

The beautiful surroundings make it the perfect destination for a winter’s day out and the chance to enjoy flamingo and penguin feeds displays throughout the day.

Plus, throughout the Christmas Holidays visitors can take part in the winter Spotters Trail – look out for hidden clues around the park to uncover a secret code.

Even on Christmas Day, although closed to the public, keepers are up with the larks to care for their flocks of native and birds.

For Head Keeper, Alistair Keen, it’s time to take on the role of ‘Father Christmas’ to Birdland’s colony of king penguins as well as their comical cousins the Humboldts that both live on Penguin Shore. 

 “I’ve looked after the penguins at Birdland for nearly 20 years now and Christmas Day is actually one of my favourites!” he said.

“I give them an early Christmas lunch of herrings and sprats, play some festive games including ‘Chase the Pudding’ to encourage their development and finish up by giving them some extra treats.

“We finish the day early on the 25th December so that we can then go home to our human-families for a traditional Christmas dinner,” he added.

Gosia Swirydowicz