BIRDS OF A FEATHER

Being the southern tip of Africa there are some incredibly beautiful places to visit that are still virtually untouched by modern human - shall we call it - development. There are also some special places that rehab wild animals. Birds of Eden Sanctuary is such a place.

Strictly speaking not all the feathered residents are wild. Many have been rescued from caged environments. Their human imprinting in extremely small environments needs to be replaced with social interaction with other birds in a more natural setting.

The most colourful birds, in plummage as well song, can be spotted under the dome that houses over 3500 birds which cover over 220 species! Most of them African birds.

The variety of bird is quite breathtaking. I was delighted to see some of my personal favourites; the yellow billed Hornbill and the striking green Knysna lourie - common to this particular area. There are also some beautiful blue Helmeted Guinea Fowl running around the forest floor.

Located in the Western Cape, I was amazed to learn that Birds of Eden is the world's largest free flight aviary and bird sanctuary.

Birds of Eden feels very much like a rainforest, especially compared to our drought stricken valley!

It has a unique mesh dome 55 metres above the floor and built over 2.3 hectares of indigenous forest!

Wherever you wander over the suspended wooden walkway you hear the calming trickle of water. It is very lush and green being home to various birds that prefer the trees as well as those that prefer the ground.

Much of the rehabilitation is instinctual. Such as species recognition. Where to find food, water, shelter. Also which part of the aviary is most suitable to their needs. However there are certain things that need to be taught.

It is very special to see parrots, for example, not displayed in a cage in someone's home, but happily gazing down from the tree tops or lazily gliding overhead.

Because so many of the birds are raised in caged environments their flying is limited or previously non existent. They need to build up muscle strength and learn flight control and even landing.

Often caged birds get pinioned. This heartless act compromises a bird as they can no longer fly. In this instance Birds of Eden cannot rescue and reintroduce them to their natural habitat. But on the whole thousands of birds are given a wonderful new life.

Also in the area is MonkeyLand as well as Jukani, which is a haven for predators. While I prefer a Game Reserve, and lived there, as many of you know for a while, the sanctuaries serve a unique purpose and are well worth our support. Unlike a zoo. I hate zoos. But I will share why in the next post about Birds of Eden.