A bigger and better falconry attraction is coming to one of the Island’s tourist hot spots, as long as it gets a new zoo licence.
In an application to the Isle of Wight Council, details have been unveiled for an expanded birds of prey display at Robin Hill, reflecting the Isle of Wight white-tailed eagles reintroduction scheme.
28 new aviaries
Currently, falconry displays take place at the park on the outskirts of Newport, but now 28 aviaries are being built to house a range of birds.
Robin Hill has told the council it wants to display three types of falcon, plus a vulture, buzzard, two types of hawk, a kookaburra and a white-tailed eagle.
Designed with ‘maximum freedom’, the aviaries will keep the birds individually and can ‘effectively quarantine’ them when necessary.
In licensing documents, the company says it has not ruled out breeding the birds, subject to finding suitable partners.
Licence required
Vectis Ventures has confirmed a falconry centre is under development in the park, which requires a zoo licence.
Each bird will have a training programme to keep them fit and healthy.
The birds will be leased to Robin Hill, except for the white-tailed eagle which is owned by Vectis Ventures.
Comments on the application (21/01074/ZOONEW) from consultants will close on 20th December.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may be been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: © Green Man IOW
