Birds of Eden, Free-flight aviary in Kurland, Western Cape, South Africa
Birds of Eden is a bird sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay covered by a large dome that spans two hectares of indigenous forest. The structure allows birds to fly and nest freely at multiple heights while visitors observe them from elevated walkways.
The sanctuary was founded in 2005 on land that had been a dairy farm and a dump site. The project transformed this former agricultural and waste area into a home for birds that were once caged or kept as pets.
Visitors learn here about caring for wild birds and protecting the spaces where they live. The free-flying birds show how different species can share the same environment peacefully.
The facility is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM with elevated walkways providing safe viewing from different angles. The well-built paths let visitors observe the birds across different areas without disturbing them.
The 3.2 hectares of wire mesh rest on cables strung between 28 masts, the tallest reaching 55 metres above the forest floor. The mesh weighs about 80 tonnes and encloses some 375,372 cubic metres. The enclosure was built over existing indigenous forest rather than planted from scratch.
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