THE Umgeni River Bird Park celebrated its 30th anniversary this March. The park boasts more than 200 species of birds and 750 individual birds.
The bird shows at the park are a daily highlight for visitors, with shows at 11am and 2pm everyday, except on Mondays.
According to Aggett-Cox the show is fun, educational and interactive: “We have a whole range of birds in our show who showcase their natural behaviour.”
The standard ticket prices for the park include the daily shows.
The park, previously owned by Dr Allan Abrey (who set it up with a group of friends), was bought over by the eThekwini Municipality in 2010.
Since it first opened it’s doors on 30 March 1984, the park has grown significantly and is 3.5 hectares big today.
When it opened again after a show closure in August 2009, 253 birds were re-homed at the Monte Casino Bird Park.
It was closed in August 2009 and re-opened in June 2010 after the municipality bought over the popular park.
Some major attractions at the park include 14-year-old Clyde, a Marabou Stork; the heaviest flying bird in the world, a Kori Bustard, the beautiful and native Narina Trogon (the only Narina Trogon in the world at an ISIS facility) and the Green Aracari (a member of the toucan family), not to mention the three vulture species.
Shows are on everyday, but Mondays (open on Mondays during school holidays) and are weather permitting. Entry to the park is R50 for adults and R30 for children and pensioners. There are also special concessions made for school groups. Contact 031 579 4600.
