Gauntlet Birds of Prey – Eagle and Vulture Park is situated in Knutsford, Cheshire.
Established in 1996, the park is home to over 180 birds from 50 different species – it’s the largest collection in the North West of England. It is also one of only a handful of birds of prey parks in the UK to be a member of BIAZA (The British & Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums).
Their main goal is to raise awareness of birds of prey, how they live, hunt and feed. At Gauntlet you will meet a wide range of birds from Eagles, Hawks and Falcons, to Vultures, Kites and Owls. The park is also home to more unusual species like Caracaras, Seriemas, Storks and Pelicans. They inform visitors of the plight of some of the species at the park through our Flying Demonstrations (where you get to see and hear all about the birds), the ‘Vulture Restaurant Talk’ and ‘Meet and Greet’ sessions. They also run a range of fun and educational events and experiences. Events & Workshops like the Young Falconer’s Club or Owls by Moonlight and Birds of Prey Experiences, where you can get up close to the birds and fly anything from a Little Owl on a Taster Experience to a huge White-tailed Sea Eagle on an Ultimate Eagle Encounter.
Conservation and education is extremely important to the park and is why they started the park in the first place. Since they opened the park has educated 1000’s of children on the importance of these birds, their habitats and how to conserve them. They do this through educational presentations to schools visiting the park and also through the work of the educational team. The team visit schools, youth groups, etc. across Cheshire and Manchester, taking some of Gauntlet’s residents with them. Throughout the year Gauntlet also works hard to raise funds for its charity partner ‘Gauntlet Conservation Trust’ which actively supports conservation projects in both the UK and internationally.
Each day the park hold a talk on Vultures, there’s a meet and greet session and two flying displays. In between the daily events you can take a walk around the park and see the Owls, Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, Vultures and some of the more unusual residents like the Marabou Stork, Red-legged Seriema and Caracara!
There’s a café, picnic area and picnic benches dotted throughout the park and a children’s play area in the shape of a large wooden fort – so you’ll never be short of things to do.
12pm – Stop at the Vulture Restaurant
The day kicks off with an informative Vulture talk, where the team talk to you about the plight of Vultures across the world, and how Gauntlet Birds of Prey work alongside Gauntlet Conservation Trust to help protect these creatures in the wild.
12.30pm – Get seated for the Flying Display
Take a seat and be prepared to duck as Gauntlet’s spectacular birds whizz around our display arena! The cheeky Vultures will spill into the arena in search of mischief and some of their noisy residents may have a thing or two to tell you. Enjoy the show!
2pm – Get ready to meet some feathered and furry friends
A chance to meet some of Gauntlet’s residents – up close! Feel the soft feathers of a deadly Owl, meet one of the more smelly residents and watch one of nature’s greatest predators devour it’s lunch (optional – just close your eyes)!
3pm – Prepare yourself for a Flying Display with a difference
The Spring, Summer and Autumn Display
Different from the 12.30pm display, see a new set of birds take to the skies. The flying finale is a truly spectacular experience, that will have you on the edge of your seat. With mixed species from all over the world, prepare to be amazed!