About Us

Birdland was first established in 1957 and was sited in the centre of Bourton.The current location was a trout farm and prior to that a Poplar Tree plantation There are still over 150 trees which create a high canopy for the River Windrush and enclosure.

Birdland is a natural setting inhabited by over 500 birds; Flamingos, pelicans, penguins, cranes, storks, cassowary, and waterfowl can be seen on various aspects of the water habitat. Over 50 aviaries of parrots, falcons, pheasants, hornbills, toucans, touracos, pigeons, ibis and many more. Tropical, Desert and Toucan Houses are home to the more delicate species.

This has also encouraged us to look at indigenous species that visit or live at Birdland including fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals. We aim to improve the habitat and to produce information for our visitors.

Many of the species are now part of active breeding programmes controlled by studbooks in co-operation with European and International organisations. Birdland are members of the Federation of Zoos of Great Britain and Ireland and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria.

We also support in situ conservation by raising funds and increasing public awareness through education. We support the research of hornbills in Asia and penguins in Africa . During 2002 we raised £1500 for the Atlantic Rainforest Campaign and in 2003 we raised £1300 for the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. We have decided to continue this support in 2004 as we feel habitat support is the major key to conservation.