What’s On 2023
Penguins, parrots, cassowaries and cranes are just some of the fantastic birds which are on show at Birdland Park and Gardens.
More than 500 birds provide a mix of free-flying and aviary displays and the park also has indoor enclosures for a variety of exotic birds and other wildlife.
There is a host of other features and attractions including a new look Penguin Shore and a dinosaur-themed Jurassic Journey.
Throughout the year the park stages a variety of entertaining events and activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Here we take a look at some of the 2023 highlights:
February Half Term Twitcher Weeks – Saturday 11th February – Sunday 26th February
Discover the amazing world of Twitchers (birdwatchers keen to spot rare birds) as you use your spotter trail to navigate the park and find clues to uncover a secret code.
Monday 20th – There will be a special appearance and book signing by M.G. Leonard, author of the Twitch book series.
Celebrate Feathered Mums – Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th March
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Birdland and learn about how amazing feathered mums are too!
Cracking Easter Fun – Saturday 1st April – Sunday 16th April
As well as daily egg-themed talks and shows, the Gloucestershire wildlife attraction is expecting some egg-stra special new arrivals across the park.
Pick up a quiz trail on arrival and guess the species of mystery eggs around the park.
World Penguin Day – Tuesday 25th April
Celebrate World Penguin Day in the company of the England’s only breeding group of regal king penguins as well as a comical group of Humboldts. Enjoy twice-daily penguin feeds and talks from Head Keeper, and surrogate penguin parent, Alistair Keen.
May Bank Holiday Dinosaur Weekend – Saturday 29th April – Monday 1st May
Calling all Dinosaur Hunters, Fossil Fanatics and Potential Paleontologists! Venture into a Jurassic-themed landscape which is home to more than 30 different dinosaurs, ranging from a metre-long baby stegosaurus to a terrifying T-Rex.
Younger visitors can unearth a series of fossilised remains at a special prehistoric boneyard.
King Penguin Celebration Weekend – May Bank Holiday – Saturday 6th – Monday 8th May
Join Birdland’s keepers as they introduce you to everybody’s favourite flightless bird, with a whole weekend dedicated to their most popular residents – the King Penguins.
Learn all about the inhabitants of the New Look Penguin Shore and meet film stars and the UK’s oldest penguin.
May Half Term Birds Behaving Badly Week – Saturday 27th May – Sunday 4th June
Discover some of the most amazing birds with the most disgusting habits! Armed with a quiz trail, venture around the park to discover some of these truly remarkable creatures.
Feathered Fathers – Saturday 17th – Sunday 18th June
Staff will pay tribute to some of finest feathered fathers as part of a weekend celebration for Father’s Day. It’s always a busy time for the bird-keeping team, with eggs and chicks aplenty.
Special activities include a talks programme which highlights some of Birdland’s most hard-working dads, and in some cases it’s the fathers who are literally left holding the baby!
Summer of Feathered Fun – Saturday 22nd July – Sunday 3rd September
The daily summer holiday programme includes flamingo, penguin and pelican feeds throughout the day. Plus head to the Encounter Zone where visitors can meet giant tortoises or come face to face with a snake. Venture into the Jurassic Journey and spot dozens of life-sized dinosaurs.
International Owl Awareness Day – Thursday 4th August
Celebrate International Owl Awareness Day with a day full of owl-tastic activities for families. Keepers will be leading special talks about owls throughout the day and during the Meet the Keeper sessions, visitors can enjoy a close encounter with them. Spot the differences between the species and learn more about them during their visit.
October Half Term Trick or Tweet Weeks – Saturday 21st October – Sunday 5th November
Visitors will be able to let their imagination fly away with them during October Half Term Holidays, with a special Halloween themed quiz trail and pumpkin enrichment for the birds.
Plus ‘Myths & Legends’ themed talks from the keepers – Discover why owls are considered to be so wise; where the legend of the phoenix came from; and find out which bird call the Romans believed to mean imminent death!
