Experience A Birds Eye View Of Christmas

Looking for a great way to enjoy a fun Christmas outing? Then why not hop along to Birdland Park & Gardens to greet an array of festive feathered friends.
The Bourton-on-the-Water wildlife attraction cares for over 500 birds, ranging from the UK’s only breeding colony of king penguins and awesome birds of prey to parrots, cassowaries and cranes in a mix of free-flying and aviary displays.
The beautiful surroundings make it the perfect destination for a winter’s day out and the chance to enjoy flamingo and penguin feedings throughout the day.
Head to the Encounter Zone to meet pet rabbits and guinea pigs or come face to face with a snake.
The park also incorporates indoor enclosures for a variety of exotic birds and other wildlife alongside a host of other features and attractions.
Explore the Jurassic Journey trail to discover the giant ancestors of all of today’s bird species.
Even on Christmas Day, keepers at the Bourton-on-the-Water wildlife attraction 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 15 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 my hand-reared King Penguins Spike and Charlotte an extra treat.
“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.