The Hawk Conservancy is worthy of its own post because it truly is one of the most incredible zoological facilities in the world. It may only be relatively small compared to San Diego Zoo or Chester but this place really does do magic for the animals that need it most. The Trust is involved in countless conservation efforts to protect endangered bird of prey species that are in desperate need of help in the wild. Their efforts to educate and inspire the public to aid the charities work are impeccable; giving people their own personal experience with the birds that leaves you with a fierce passion, or at least a deep respect, for them. Once you see how fantastic yet critical these animals are you’ll want to do your bit to help save them too. It’s also a fantastic day out for everyone!
Here is a summary of what The Hawk Conservancy is all about, and what to expect when you visit.
General Information
The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a registered charity, with a mission to conserve birds of prey. Whether you want to experience the thrill of seeing a peregrine falcon dive over your head, reaching speeds of up to 220mph, or be able to handle one of the species of magnificent owls, the park has something for everyone to get involved with and enjoy. Definitely make sure you stick around to watch all the world-class flying displays, in the immersive arenas, during the day because you will get to meet so many new species, and some old faces too – vultures are definitely the stars of the shows.
The bird team’s passion will become imminent once they start introducing you to the birds that stole their hearts. They will share their love for these animals and encourage you to join in the mission to conserve them.
The Trust also has their own purpose-built National Bird of Prey Hospital within the grounds, where you can take a look at some of their rescue, rehabilitation and release successes. Sick, injured or orphaned raptors are cared for in the hospital, with a hope to one day be rereleased back into the wild after being given a second chance at life.
If you’re looking for a fun, memorable day out for the whole family, that’s packed full of activities, interactions and experiences that bring you closer to nature, then the Hawk Conservancy is the place to visit. With over 130 birds of prey to see, spectacular landscapes, and a whole host of displays that vary throughout the year no visit is ever the same with so many different things going on. One of the highlights has got to be watching the Bald Eagles fly back home from the other side of the East Carleton Valley back into the serenity of Reg’s Wildflower Meadow.
I couldn’t tell you which flying display is my favourite as they are all so unique and fascinating to watch. However, ‘Wings of Africa’ never fails to move me and leave me with a huge smile on my face. During this show, you’ll come face to face with a Milky Eagle Owl, a Secretary Bird, a whole team of Yellow Billed Kites, wading birds, and (my favourite) the vultures of Africa. Watch in awe as the birds soar above you, in time to the music, as they demonstrate what birds do best.
There’s plenty of time to meander around the grounds, and explore the 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow, between the shows in your own time to meet your favourite birds and learn more about them.
If you are planning on visiting I only have one piece of advice for any newbie: make sure your ducking game is on point throughout the day unless you want to go home wearing a vulture headpiece. Believe me; those birds know how to give you an up-close and personal experience!!
Hands down a 10/10 day no matter the weather!
Threats to Birds Of Prey
The charity is dedicated to protecting and conserving birds of prey around the globe. But what threats are these birds facing and why should we care?
Human influence and interference is the number one cause of the threats that many bird of prey populations are facing globally, as we exploit, manipulate and destroy these animals and their habitat. Our greed and desire for more is unquenchable as we continue to take without a second thought to consequence. However, so many species are suffering and are urgently in need of protection. A majority of species are under pressure to a lesser or greater extent due to threats such as habitat destruction, unsustainable trade in wild birds, and both direct and indirect persecution. However, the biggest threat facing African species, such as Hooded Vultures (N.monachus) and White Backed Vultures (G.africanus), is poisoning from laced elephant/rhino carcasses.
Vultures as a group are the most threatened birds in the world, over 70% of vulture species being at risk of going extinct within the next 50 years. Vultures are crucially important for a healthy ecosystem as they act like the 'clean-up crew' of the planet; disposing of deadly diseases through consuming rotting carrion and infected matter etc. In fact, the stomach acid in these birds is so strong that they’re able to eat and digest diseases and bacteria that would otherwise kill most other organisms; including Anthrax, Botulism, Cholera and Typhoid! Without vultures, disease would spread to not only other animals but also people, also leaving an unfathomable amount of waste to decay. These birds are critically important for a healthy ecosystem.
However, elephant/rhino poachers have began to lace carcasses with a toxic poison that is whipping out vultures at an exponential rate. When a poacher makes a kill, vultures will almost immediately begin to circle the crime scene, hopeful for their next meal. This a massive red flag to wildlife authorities and game guards who will come to investigate, trying to catch the poachers red handed. Unfortunately, the poachers have caught onto this and lacing the carcasses is their way to get away with literal murder.
Conservation Efforts
The charities’ work in conserving birds of prey is globally recognised as they are aiding projects both in the UK and overseas. Some of their main success stories range from Red Kites (M.milvus), native owl species, and even a variety of vulture species. But since I’ve been focusing on vultures and poisoning, I’ll explain how the Hawk Conservancy Trust's efforts in conserving the species in Africa is incredibly critical due to the wild bird populations declining at a rapid pace; many being critically endangered and on the brink of extinction.
The Hawk Conservancy is trying to battle the threat of laced carcasses by using Poison Response Kits. This quick and effective response tool means that hundreds of animals can be saved from death by poisoning. Each poison response kit costs £300 and after a poisoning incident each kit needs to be replenished at a cost of £180. By buying tickets to the park, going to fundraising events, and donating to the charity, the public can help the Trust raise the funds needed to provide these kits that could save thousands of vultures and other wildlife from an unnecessary death due to poison. Every visit counts and the charity could not do it without the support from guests.
Work Experience/Volunteering
Obviously I’m biased when I say that The Hawk Conservancy is a great place for people of all ages to gain experience working alongside and handling a large variety of raptor species but it is honestly the truth!
The time I spent with both these incredible birds, and team of amazing people, at the Hawk Conservancy was by far one of the best and most rewarding things I’ve ever done!
My day usually involved being a part of displays with the birds, carrying out basic husbandry tasks and maintenance of the Trust, and dealing with the public on a daily basis.
It was an incredibly educational experience and helped me expand in confidence and independence, as well as learning so much more about caring for animals and animal training.
I must also mention that there isn’t a single staff member there who wasn’t friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I most certainly could sit here and write a paragraph about each member of the bird team and how awesome they are because they were part of the reason I enjoyed myself so much. It’s definitely like having a second family.
So, if you are hard working, passionate, determined to make a positive difference, and (most importantly) have a love for birds of prey this is definitely something you should consider doing as part of your work experience, if you get the chance. They are always looking for volunteers throughout the year too if you, like me, end up wanting to spend all your time with the birds.
Birds of prey, especially vultures, will forever have a special place in my heart and I will do my part to protect them and encourage people to do the same. I look forward to hopefully going back to volunteer in the future!
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