Birds of Eden is the world's largest free flight aviary and bird sanctuary, located in Kurland village near Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, South Africa.
Entrance to Birds of Eden.
A Unique Sanctuary
Birds of Eden is a unique single-dome free-flight bird sanctuary (the World’s largest) that provides a home to over 3,500 birds from 220 species. The mesh dome of the sanctuary was built over 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres) of indigenous forest, and is up to 55 metres (180 ft) above ground level.
Mission and Vision
To create a sanctuary where birds live freely, with dignity and in harmony with nature, while raising awareness about the vital importance of wildlife conservation. We strive to inspire a deep understanding that wild animals are not pets - captivity strips them of their instincts, freedom, and natural well-being. Birds of Eden strives to provide a forever home for birds that have lived in captivity, ensuring they experience the joy of free flight in a natural environment.
Home to Diverse Species
The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of bird species, including parrots, hornbills, turacos, ibis, cranes, flamingos, ducks, and geese. At present, Birds of Eden and Monkeyland cares for over 3500 birds and 550 primates. Many of these birds have been rescued from difficult conditions, such as being caged, injured in the wild or maimed through practices like pinioning.
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A selection of birds I observed in Birds of Eden:
- Olive thrush (Turdus olivaceus)
- Hornbill (Bucerotidae)
- Western plain-eater (Crinifer piscator)
- Golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus)
- Knysna turaco (Tauraco corythaix)
- Red-masked conure (Aratinga erythrogenys)
- Blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna)
- Umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba)
GARDEN ROUTE - SOUTH AFRICA | Birds of Eden and Monkeyland | (visiting the world's largest aviary)
Rehabilitation and Natural Environment
The Birds of Eden sanctuary is nestled within a restored Afromontane forest, featuring a rich diversity of herbs, shrubs, and towering canopy trees that create a natural, layered environment. This vegetation closely mirrors the birds' native habitats, providing them with food, shelter, and space to thrive.
Afromontane forest in Birds of Eden.
All new arrivals at Birds of Eden go through a process of rehabilitation before they enter the actual sanctuary of the main aviary. The main rehabilitation process involves socialization with other birds in large outdoor pre-release aviaries as well as the building up of flight muscles, and learning flight control.
History and Restoration
Originally a partial dumpsite and dairy farm, the restoration of this area took five years of dedicated effort before the sanctuary officially opened on December 15th, 2005.
Read also: A Guide to African Lovebirds
Aviary Structure
The 2.3-hectare (5.7-acre) enclosure is covered 3.2 hectares (7.9 acres) of wire mesh resting on cables strung between 28 masts. The masts vary in length between 2 and 34 metres (6 ft 7 in and 111 ft 7 in) and at its highest point the mesh is 55 metres (180 ft) above the ground.
Inside the aviary.
Visitors can access the aviary through about 1.2 kilometres (0.75 mi) of walkways, about 75% of which are elevated to let them see the birds in all areas of the aviary.
Conservation and Education
Birds of Eden is also a center for education and conservation. The sanctuary plays a crucial role in the preservation of endangered bird species and works tirelessly to promote avian welfare. At Birds of Eden, visitors can learn about these efforts and how they can contribute to the conservation of these beautiful creatures.
Birds of Eden is one of the four Sanctuaries under The South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA). As a member of SAASA Birds of Eden was honoured with four major tourism awards in 2014.
Read also: Learn about Lovebirds
Visiting Birds of Eden
Your walk starts through a series of elevated walkways as the birds move and fly freely around you. You’ll quickly notice some of the less shy birds sitting on the wooden walkway, curiously watching you. Since many of these birds are used to people, they may come close to you. However, it is a no-touch sanctuary so it’s best to let the birds be.
The wood-slatted walkway eventually leads to a brick pathway, where you can see many birds cutely waddling along the ground. Throughout the sanctuary, you’ll come across some natural nesting areas. Finally, the path meanders through the water bird section.
Birds of Eden is open seven days a week, and the best time to visit is during the morning or late afternoon when the birds are most active. Birds of Eden is an amazing place and it’s easy to spend 3 or 4 hours there if you love your birds. The more patient you are, the more species you will see!
Birds of Eden is situated about 150km from Mossel Bay, about 50km from Knysna and about 240km from Port Elizabeth.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Western Cape, South Africa |
| Land Area | 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres) |
| Number of Animals | 3000+ |
| Opening Date | December 15, 2005 |
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