Displays

Falconry Displays

During the Falconry displays we use the 'positive reinforcement' training techniques that have been used with birds of prey for hundreds of years. This involves gaining the trust of the bird and rewarding it for good behaviour. Bad or should we say 'undesirable' behaviour is just ignored, no form of punishment, including withholding food, is ever used.



All the birds are on a special diet and the amount of food eaten each day is dependent on how much work they've done and what the temperature is (on a cold day they will need more energy/food). As we try to show as much natural behaviour as possible, the birds are encouraged to complete tasks that they would encounter every day in the wild. This may entail catching food in mid air or manoeuvring around obstacles such as trees and branches.

Occasionally our Falconers will ask for a volunteer from the audience to assist, but as our Falconers know the birds intimately if there is any perceived threat to the health and safety of the bird or volunteer that part of the display will not take place. At each display we will endeavour to involve at least two different species of bird.

Altogether the birds only spend a maximum of six months at a time flying in the demonstrations, they then have a 'holiday' where they are put into off show enclosures, moult their feathers and in some cases breed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the Animals Talks

This session take place once a day and is given by our keepers. Normally an animal from each of the major families: Mammals, Birds and Reptiles are taken into our display area. Occasionally due to cold temperatures we may not be able to bring out a Reptile but this will be explained at the beginning of the session.

 

The keepers will tell you lots of information about the species and the individual (all of our animals have names and their own unique personality). They will also ask for any questions you may have about them.