Bourton-on-the-Water’s Birdland Park and Gardens has unveiled a brand-new penguin enclosure to welcome a group of African penguins relocating from the soon-to-close Bristol Zoo.
The new enclosure features the backdrop of a fishing village, with viewing areas above and below the waterline and brand-new glass.
The wildlife park has welcomed a group of critically endangered African penguins – also known as Jackass penguins, due to the sound of their call – from Bristol Zoo, with more due to arrive later in the year.
It plans to celebrate the opening of the new enclosure and welcome its new residents during Penguin Week, taking part during May half term – alongside daily talks and feeding sessions led by head keeper, Alistair Keen.
Keen said ‘Our penguins are often the star attraction to Birdland, so we’re delighted to have increased their number’.
‘They’re all settling really well into our new themed enclosure, which has proved very popular with visitors in the short time it has been open.’
As well as its new residents, Birdland boasts some famous penguins in its colony, including Spike, who has appeared on television with Sir David Attenborough and in a biscuit advert; and Seth, who is the oldest male king penguin in Europe, Asia and Australia and has appeared in Batman Returns alongside Michael Keaton, Danny De Vito and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Penguin Week at Birdland takes place from Saturday 28 May to Sunday 5 June 2022.
