Birds of Eden

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Birds of Eden Bird Sanctuary

The aviary
Date opening 2005-12-15
Location Western Cape, South Africa
Coordinates 33°57′47″S 23°29′01″E / 33.963°S 23.4835°E / -33.963; 23.4835Coordinates: 33°57′47″S 23°29′01″E / 33.963°S 23.4835°E / -33.963; 23.4835
Land area 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres)[1]
Number of animals 3000+[1]
Number of species 280+[1]
Website www.birdsofeden.co.za

Birds of Eden is the world's largest free flight aviary and bird sanctuary, located near Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, South Africa. The mesh dome of the sanctuary was built over 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres) of indigenous forest, and is up to 55 metres (180 ft) above ground level. 1.2 kilometres (0.75 mi) of walkways, about 75% of which are elevated, let visitors see the birds at all levels of the aviary.

Facilities

Masts and mesh

The 2.3-hectare (5.7-acre) enclosure is covered 3.2 hectares (7.9 acres) of wire mesh resting on cables strung between 28 masts. The masts vary in length between 2 and 34 metres (6 ft 7 in and 111 ft 7 in) and at its highest point the mesh is 55 metres (180 ft) above the ground. The total weight of the wire mesh is about 80 tonnes, and it encloses a total volume of 375,372 cubic metres (13,256,100 cu ft).[2][3]

Visitors can access the aviary through about 1.2 kilometres (0.75 mi) of walkways, about 75% of which are elevated to let them see the birds in all areas of the aviary. Visitors can tour the facility on their own, or take a guided tour.[4]

The enclosure was built over indigenous forest and includes a natural gorge with a waterfall, and a 200 seat amphitheater. The Thanda Cafe is available for hungry visitors.[1]

Animals

Inside the aviary

Birds of Eden houses birds (except raptors) that have been previously kept in cages and have now been re-acclimated to a larger environment. It is also home to miniature monkeys including cotton-top tamarins and golden-handed tamarins, which are allowed to roam free. Birds of Eden will also take in pet birds which their owners want to allow more freedom.[5]

In 2011 the sanctuary was home to about 3000 birds representing more than 280 species.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "About Birds of Eden". birdsofeden.co.za. Birds of Eden. Retrieved 3 July 2011. 
  2. ↑ Birds of Eden Information Booklet. 2008. 
  3. ↑ "Sneak Preview – Birds of Eden Sanctuary". firstflight.co.za. First Flight Birds and Rehabilitation Centre. Retrieved 2009-01-17. 
  4. ↑ "Bird Watching". nectar.co.za. Nectar Cottage. Retrieved 2009-01-17. 
  5. ↑ "Frequently asked Questions". birdsofeden.co.za. Birds of Eden. Retrieved 3 July 2011. 

External links

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