Umgeni River Bird Park
It is nicely positioned on Riverside Road alongside Umngeni River and it is one of eThekwini’s leading attractions. Umgeni River Bird Park was established in March 30, 1984. This 28 year old well sought after landmark facility is also home to our National bird, the Blue Crane. It has an exclusive collection of birds such as the Southern Ground Hornbill and the Pink-backed Pelican. SIMPHIWE DLAMINI gives an overview of this park which is amongst the best run in the country.
When you enter Umngeni River Bird Park, you are welcomed by a beautiful landscaping that gives you a real sense of nature. The soothing sounds of singing birds makes you feel welcome and a variety of attractive, colorful birds greet you as you keep walking. Christo Swart, the Deputy Head: Parks, Leisure and Cemeteries, said Umngeni River Bird Park is rated amongst the best in the world with its unique\ landscaping and its exclusive collection of birds. “The Park was bought by the Municipality form Tsogo Sun International in the year 2010. Since then we have made a lot of renovations and brought in many species of birds. We are the only bird park in the country that has a Nicobar Pigeon which is the closest living relative of the extinct Dodo. The latest additions to the park are the Blue-headed Macaws, these birds are not common in captivity in South Africa and we are very lucky to have them,” said Swart.
Umngeni River Bird Park boasts special birds like the Great Indian Hornbills, Palm Cockatoo’s, the Blue-headed Macaws, Southern Ground Hornbills and the Pinkbacked Pelican and is arguably the most visited and appreciated Bird Park in the country. Swart said after they acquired the park from Togo Sun International it was closed for a week for renovations because they wanted to give it the eThekwini look and feel. The Free Flight Bird Show Arena was also renovated and there are seven new bird collections that have been added to the park. “From June 2010 to date, the park has seen 79 588 visitors from all over the world. I encourage people to visit the Bird Park as it caters for all people from adults, pensioners and even group tours are welcomed and you will be assisted by our tour guides,” he said. Park visitor Nicole Muller said the hospitality at the park is amazing. “When we came in here we were treated like royalty, the guides are not only knowledgeable about the birds but you can also feel and see the love and passion for what they do,” said Muller.
The Park also offers educational programmes and the Free Flight Show has grown to be the favorite amongst the visitors. This landmark also breeds bird species like the Born Owl, African Spoonbill, Golden Conure, Blue-wing Kookaraburra and a variety of Lorikeets. Swart is confident that the Park will grow and be rated amongst the best in the world. “In the next five years, we are looking at increasing the collection of birds in the park. We are also growing our relationship with the tour operators with an aim to double the number of people visiting the park,” concluded Swart. So if you are looking for a relaxing and enjoyable experience, visit the Umngeni River Bird Park.