Welsh Hawking Centre, Birds of prey center in Barry, Wales
The Welsh Hawking Centre is a birds of prey facility located on former zoo grounds in the Vale of Glamorgan. The site spreads across about 25 acres of parkland and houses more than 200 eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, and buzzards.
The center was built on the former grounds of Cardiff Zoo, marking a shift from a general wildlife park to a specialized facility focused on raptors. This transformation allowed for dedicated conservation and research work with these birds.
Daily flight demonstrations show the traditional art of falconry and how people have worked with hunting birds for centuries. Visitors watch how these raptors are trained and directed during the performances.
The location has ample parking available and offers a souvenir shop for visitors. Picnic areas are scattered throughout the grass fields, giving visitors places to rest and eat.
Visitors can interact directly with the birds during guided handling sessions, where raptors fly onto gloved hands. These close encounters create unforgettable moments with the animals.
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