Umgeni River Bird Park
The Umgeni River Bird Park is a bird zoo situated in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, established in 1984. Originally designed by Dr. Alan Abrey in a former quarry, it aims to educate visitors about birds from across the globe and is recognized for its conservation efforts, particularly with threatened species.
Key Facts
- ›Opened in April 1984, designed and built by Dr. Alan Abrey.
- ›Located in a former quarry site in Durban, South Africa.
- ›By 1989, housed over 4,500 birds of 400 different species.
- ›Awarded 'Premier Durban Attraction' by the Durban Tourism Board in 1989.
- ›Features a Free Flight Bird Show arena opened in 1996.
- ›Breeds 17 of the 24 threatened bird species in its collection.
Free Flight Bird Show Arena, Three Large Aviaries
Wattled Crane
Breeding and Releasing Wattled Cranes, Breeding Threatened Bird Species
About Umgeni River Bird Park
The Umgeni River Bird Park is a dedicated bird zoo located in Durban, within the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Established in April 1984, the park was initially conceived and built by Dr. Alan Abrey within the landscape of an old quarry site. Its foundational purpose was to provide education about birds from around the world to the public.
History and Development
Under Dr. Abrey's management until his retirement in 1997, the park saw significant development. By 1989, it had become a substantial collection, housing over 4,500 birds representing 400 different species. This growth and appeal led to it being awarded the "Premier Durban Attraction" by the Durban Tourism Board in the same year. A notable event occurred in 1987 when severe floods necessitated the temporary evacuation of the birds to higher ground. The park also introduced a Free Flight Bird Show arena, which commenced construction in 1995 and hosted its inaugural show in 1996.
Ownership transitioned in 1997 when Tsogo Sun acquired the park, committing to its "Inspire to Conserve" ethos. The park faced closure in August 2009 due to financial non-viability. However, a collaborative effort involving the Regency Foundation Network, which raised the necessary funds for purchase, and the City, which assumed operating expenses, led to its reopening in June 2010.
Exhibits and Attractions
The park's setting in a former quarry, now landscaped with natural waterfalls, provides a unique environment. Visitor paths meander through three large aviaries and past various other open exhibits. A special viewing window in the nursery allows visitors to observe the hatching and rearing process of young birds. The Free Flight Bird Show remains a key attraction, showcasing birds such as owls, cranes, macaws, and vultures from North and South America, Africa, Indonesia, and Australia, with an emphasis on conservation messages.
Conservation Initiatives
Conservation is a central tenet of the Umgeni River Bird Park's mission. The park actively participates in breeding programs for threatened species, successfully breeding 17 out of the 24 species designated as threatened within its collection. A significant conservation effort involves the South Africa Crane Working Group, with whom the park breeds and releases wattled cranes. These cranes, hand-reared using a glove puppet to minimize human imprinting, are released near Dullstroom. The wattled crane is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with only an estimated 8,000 individuals remaining in the wild.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Umgeni River Bird Park established?
The Umgeni River Bird Park was opened in April 1984. It was designed and built by Dr. Alan Abrey on the site of an old quarry.
What is the size of the Umgeni River Bird Park?
The article text does not specify the total area of the park in acres. However, by 1989, it was home to over 4,500 birds representing 400 different species.
What are the main attractions at Umgeni River Bird Park?
A significant attraction is the Free Flight Bird Show, which opened in 1996 and features birds from various continents. The park also has three large aviaries, other aviaries, open exhibits, and a nursery viewing window.
Does Umgeni River Bird Park focus on conservation?
Yes, the park has a strong conservation focus, upholding an 'Inspire to Conserve' philosophy. It actively breeds 17 of the 24 threatened bird species in its collection and participates in breeding and releasing wattled cranes.
Who owned Umgeni River Bird Park?
Initially, the park was privately owned by a group of bird lovers. It was later purchased by Tsogo Sun in 1997, and subsequently by the Regency Foundation Network in 2009, with the City taking over operating expenses.
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