Loveable toucan from Surrey becomes unexpected star of best-selling video game
Six-year-old “Boy” from Birdworld in Farnham has shared his voice with the team behind Sea of Thieves, an action-adventure game developed by Rare LTD and published by Microsoft Studios.
The multiplayer game allows players to live the life of a pirate while exploring an open world via a pirate ship, alongside a number of pet companions that can be bought as additional in-game purchases.
After searching across the country for an animal park that kept Toco Toucans, Rare were recommended Birdworld, which houses more than 181 species of birds, including Boy – a personal favourite among guests and staff, thanks to his cheeky nature.
Senior Sound Designer at Rare, Katie Tarrant said:
“When we first envisioned adding a toucan as a pet in the game, I began researching reference videos and quickly realised how unique their sounds are. However, I was surprised to find that no sound effects libraries included toucan calls. That’s when we decided to record them live and thankfully, Birdworld came to our rescue.”
Aiming to capture a mixture of Boy’s squawks and “click” noises during a full day session, Musician Chloe Kwok, Producer Louise Roberts and Katie, discovered that Boy was camera shy. With the help of Living Collections Manager Polly Bramham, the group slowly helped him to come out of his shell, spending one-on-one time with Boy, moving into a separate pen, and feeding the microphone through the enclosure to make him feel at ease.
“It’s safe to say that Boy was camera shy at first, but after gently getting to know him, he soon grew in confidence,” said Chloe. “So much so that at one point he tried to eat the microphone, which was highly amusing. It was clear that Boy certainly had the personality that we were looking for.”
Boy's contributions were carefully edited and integrated into the game over the following days. Early reviews suggest that the addition of the toucan has been a major hit, receiving widespread acclaim from players.
For Birdworld, highlighting Boy’s species forms part of a wider initiative to educate the world about these iconic birds.
“Toco Toucans are the largest members of the toucan family, and currently, their populations are stable enough to be classified as Least Concern from a conservation standpoint,” explained Polly.

“While this might suggest there's no immediate cause for concern, the last assessment of Toco Toucans was conducted in 2016. Unfortunately, since then, their numbers have been rapidly declining due to trapping and habitat loss.
“Of the 50 toucan species, 39 are now experiencing population declines—a troubling trend we've observed for years. The more we learn about these incredible birds, the better equipped we are to protect and appreciate them.”
Following his celebrity stint as a video game star, life has returned to normal for Boy, who is continuing to enjoy his regular target training sessions and the full attention of his keeper.
“Perhaps there’s a hint of diva in him after all…” added Polly.
For media enquiries please email Natalie natalie@carswellgould.co.uk

More from the Birdworld News Room
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…
Abandoned emu finds hope under the wing of chicken foster mum
Abandoned emu finds hope under the wing of chicken foster mum A beloved emu at Birdworld is celebrating her unique adoption story – having been raised by a little chicken named Nugget. Four-year-old Shrub, the youngest emu at the popular Surrey attraction, was abandoned by her parents, Forest and Mathilda, who themselves had a difficult…
VIP guests coming to Birdworld this summer
Bluey, Hey Duggee and Paw Patrol among VIP guests coming to Birdworld this summer Children visiting Birdworld will soon have the opportunity to meet their heroes, as the UK’s largest bird park unveils its VIP character summer schedule. Running every weekend from 20 July to 26 August, Birdworld’s Summer Chartacter Weekends will welcome some of…
Love + Colour set to bring a “feast for the senses”
Love + Colour set to bring a “feast for the senses” to Birdworld this spring Families are set to flock to Birdworld as the launch date for its latest attraction, ‘Love + Colour,’ draws near. Promising a ‘feast for the senses,’ the brand-new indoor attraction, opening to the public on 25 May, celebrates the vibrant…
