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Extinct birds arrive at Surrey animal park

The Great Bustard (the heaviest flying animal alive today) was once very much part of the British wildlife but sadly this spectacular bird was hunted to extinction in this country by the 1840's.

When close to hatching, the eggs were checked three times a day, and as soon one started to hatch it was moved to a special unit with high humidity.

Birdworld has a long history with the Great Bustard Reintroduction project and looks to raise awareness of the plight of the bird species.

It is always a great opportunity when avicultural skills can be used to aid in conservation of threatened species.

With the Great Bustard project, knowing that we have contributed to such a momentous and ambitious reintroduction project has filled the whole team with pride.

Birdworld is providing advice and expertise relating to incubation and transport of eggs which will hopefully continue into the future and we have also provided advice relating to captive husbandry of these enigmatic birds.

Through our visitors we are able to raise both awareness and funds and look forward to the Great Bustard Project enjoying even greater success in the future.”

– Duncan Bolton, Birdworld Curator