Birdworld’s Conservation Fund responds to overseas crisis to save over 1,200 endangered birds
Birdworld in Farnham has donated £2,000 to an emergency wildlife response mission to save more than 1,200 surviving Cape cormorant chicks out of an estimated 1,700 birds that were abandoned in South Africa.
Earlier this month, the surviving endangered chicks were successfully rescued from Robben Island and Jutten Island (two islands off the west coast of South Africa) by the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), in Cape Town. The abandoned chicks were found in a serious condition since they are too young to feed themselves.
Birdworld’s Conservation Fund made a vital donation to support the cost of the second largest seabird rescue in Cape Town to date. All of the rescued chicks have been admitted to SANCCOB’s hospital to receive the necessary rehabilitative care until they can be released into the wild in three months’ time.
Duncan Bolton, Curator at Birdworld, said:
“It is still unclear why these birds were abandoned, but it is suspected that it was down to lack of food in the area. We have a strong relationship with SANCCOB, having partnered with them in the past. Some of our keepers have even taken part in their zookeeper exchange program, aiding in chick rearing and adult rehabilitation.
“We are proud to say that despite this being a challenging time for Birdworld, due to our temporary closure, we are able to continue delivering the highest level of care to our animals and support emergency relief projects such as this. Our donation will go a long way to support the rehabilitation of the endangered birds, as well as provide the necessary food, medication and extra staff.”
Since Birdworld’s Conservation Fund was launched in 2008, it has raised over £90,000 to aid projects both here in the UK and overseas. Conservation and animal welfare are main priorities for the team and remain at the centre of everything they do at the park.



More from the Birdworld News Room
Birdworld’s T-Rexcellent dinosaur extravaganza roars into Easter
Birdworld’s T-Rexcellent dinosaur extravaganza roars into Easter Families at Birdworld are set to have a roar-some time this Easter, as dinosaurs descend on the popular attraction. The prehistoric extravaganza will see the UK’s largest bird park host a Dinosaur Discovery Trail – featuring large dinosaur models – from Saturday 5 April, all included in the…
Viral blind penguin in the running to be crowned ‘Penguin of the Year’
Viral blind penguin in the running to be crowned ‘Penguin of the Year’ A blind penguin who captured the hearts of the world last year after going viral with her “guide-bird” best friend is now in the running to be crowned Penguin of the Year. Squid, a four-year-old African Humboldt penguin from Birdworld is a…
£50,000 grant helps Birdworld launch two new immersive experiences
£50,000 grant helps Birdworld launch two new immersive experiences Birdworld is experiencing its most flamboyant February yet with the launch of two new areas, celebrating the Park’s graceful wading birds and iconic pink flamingos. Families and bird-lovers alike can observe a stunning variety of species at Wetland Waders. There, guests can observe spoonbills, ibis, and…
Owl you need is love…
Owl you need is love… A widowed Snowy Owl has found love again, following the passing of her long-time companion. Moose, a seven-year-old owl residing at Birdworld in Surrey, faced life alone after her partner, Kettle, sadly passed away due to an ongoing illness. Above, left to right: Kettle and Moose Determined to find her…
Thanks to Reli for supporting Birdworld’s Conservation Efforts
A heartfelt thank you to Reli for supporting Birdworld’s conservation efforts We are thrilled to share our gratitude with Reli for their generous gift of Birddy smart bird houses and feeders. These innovative tools will now become part of Birdworlds conservation initiatives on site and in the local area, helping us monitor and support both…
Planning for Birdworld’s multi-million-pound redevelopment approved
Birdworld’s multi-million-pound redevelopment gains planning approval, with conservation and indoor play to take centre stage A favourite among families, the 26-acre Park will be transformed into a year-round destination, featuring loveable creatures called ‘The Spriglets,’ inspired by the local natural landscape. Through an enchanting forest concept, families will have opportunities to learn and play throughout…
