Birds of Eden
Birds of Eden is a vast free-flight aviary and bird sanctuary located in the Western Cape, South Africa. Its distinctive feature is a massive mesh dome covering indigenous forest, creating a naturalistic habitat for a diverse array of bird species. The sanctuary is recognized for its significant size and commitment to responsible tourism and animal welfare.
Key Facts
- ›The aviary covers 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres) of indigenous forest.
- ›The mesh dome is up to 55 metres (180 ft) high.
- ›It features 1.2 kilometres (0.75 MI) of walkways, with 75% being elevated.
- ›In 2014, it housed approximately 3500 birds representing over 200 species.
- ›It was the world's largest free-flight aviary from its opening in 2005 until 2026.
- ›Birds of Eden is part of the South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA).
About Birds of Eden
Birds of Eden is a significant free-flight aviary and bird sanctuary located in Kurland village, near Plettenberg Bay in South Africa's Western Cape. Established in 2005, it distinguished itself as the world's largest free-flight aviary from its opening until 2026. The sanctuary's most striking feature is its immense mesh dome, which covers 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres) of indigenous forest and rises to a height of up to 55 metres (180 ft) above ground level.
Facilities and Visitor Experience
The expansive enclosure is constructed with approximately 80 tonnes of wire mesh supported by 28 masts, creating a voluminous space of over 375,000 cubic metres. Visitors can explore the sanctuary via 1.2 kilometres of walkways, with about 75% of these pathways being elevated. This design allows for excellent viewing opportunities of the birds at various levels within the naturalistic environment. The sanctuary's grounds also include a natural gorge with a waterfall and a 200-seat amphitheater.
Avian Inhabitants and Recognition
In 2014, Birds of Eden was home to an estimated 3500 birds, representing more than 200 distinct species. These include a wide array of parrots, hornbills, turacos, and waterbirds, among others. As one of the four sanctuaries under The South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA), Birds of Eden has garnered considerable recognition for its operational excellence and commitment to animal welfare. In 2014, it received four major tourism awards, including the Lilizela Tourism Visitor Experience of the Year Award, the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award, and the World Responsible Tourism Award for both overall achievement and best animal welfare initiative.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Birds of Eden located?
Birds of Eden is situated in Kurland village, near Plettenberg Bay, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. This location places it within a region known for its natural beauty.
What is the size of the aviary?
The aviary enclosure itself spans 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres) of indigenous forest. The total area covered by the wire mesh dome is 3.2 hectares (7.9 acres).
What makes Birds of Eden unique?
Its defining feature is the immense free-flight aviary, one of the largest in the world upon its opening, with a mesh dome reaching up to 55 metres (180 ft) high. It also incorporates elevated walkways to provide visitors with comprehensive views of the birds within their naturalistic habitat.
What kind of birds can be found at Birds of Eden?
In 2014, the sanctuary was home to a wide variety of avian life, with approximately 3500 birds belonging to over 200 different species. The list of species includes numerous parrots, hornbills, turacos, and flamingos, among many others.
What are some of the notable awards Birds of Eden has received?
As a member of SAASA, Birds of Eden has been recognized with several prestigious tourism and animal welfare awards. These include the Lilizela Tourism Visitor Experience of the Year Award, the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award, and the World Responsible Tourism Award, both overall and in the 'Best Animal Welfare Initiative' category.
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