At Paradise Park we believe that it is the duty of all who keep rare species to do whatever they can to promote a healthy captive population. We work with British, European and international breeding schemes, and run some conservation projects here at the Park.
Many of our birds are on ‘breeding loan’ to other collections, who in turn lend us birds to pair up here. Each bird at Paradise Park is entered onto a computerised record keeping system (the information is sent to the USA to be compiled into an international database), and this helps to keep the bloodlines as diverse as possible. This concern for rare species naturally led us towards giving plenty of information to our visitors, and offering entertaining and educational shows and talks. We came to realise that breeding in captivity was only one part of securing the future for endangered birds, and in 1989 set up the World Parrot Trust, a registered charity which is now active around the world. This enables us to work for conservation in the wild as well, and so far we have helped the survival of 80 species of parrot in 45 countries. We also established Operation Chough in 1987, a conservation project run by staff here at the Park.
Below are some of the conservation projects and campaigns we are currently involved in or supporting by raising awareness and funds.
World Parrot Trust
In 1989, Mike Reynolds set up the World Parrot Trust at Paradise Park. The WPT is a registered charity which is now active around the world. This enables us to work for conservation in the wild as well as here at Paradise Park. So far we have helped the survival of 80 species of parrot in 45 countries.
£90,000 raised and donated in the ten years up to 2018.
Click here to learn more.
Operation Chough
Operation Chough is a conservation project established at Paradise Park, Cornwall, in 1987. The Red-billed Chough is a member of the crow family, distinguished by its glossy black plumage, red legs and elegantly-curved bill. In recent years choughs bred at the Park have gone Jersey to help re-establish the species. Now they are breeding there in the wild for the first time in over 100 years. in 2023/2024 our choughs are now flying free over the White Cliff of Dover as part of the project to restore the species to the coast of Kent Coast.
Click here to learn more.
Water Vole Reintroduction Project
Water voles were once common across the whole of the UK but declined due to habitat loss and predation by non-native American mink. In Cornwall, water voles became extinct, with the last confirmed sightings in Par, Godolphin and Bude in the 1990s. Local conservation group Kernow Conservation started a Water Vole Reintroduction Project in 2022.
Click here to learn more.
International Vulture Programme
The International Vulture Programme , run by the Hawk Conservancy Trust in Hampshire, focuses efforts on the research and conservation of seven vulture species. With the fantastic support of Paradise Park visitors and the donations they have made at our daily summer flying displays over the years, we have been able to donate thousands of pounds to the programme. Read about the most recent donation of £4,940 in August 2018 HERE.
Red Panda Project
We support the Red Panda Network with funds and by raising awareness. The RPN is committed to the conservation of wild red pandas and their habitat through the education and empowerment of local communities. Recent data suggests that Red Panda population numbers may be as low as 2,500, due to continuous loss of habitat and wildlife trading. The existing population is expected to experience additional declines of 10% every 10 years. The money raised at the Park currently goes towards two projects. Find out more on our Red Panda Experience page here.
Blue-throated Macaw Project
This large species of parrot from Bolivia is Critically Endangered and Paradise Park, Cornwall, UK, home of the World Parrot Trust charity, has been breeding them in captivity for several years. Six young macaws bred at Paradise Park traveled to Bolivia in February 2013 as part of this project.
Read more here
Barn Owls in Cornwall Project
So far the Park has donated £3,300 to the project 2015-2022.
Red Squirrel Project
The Red Squirrel has suffered a dramatic population decline in the last century and they are extinct in much of Southern England, Northern Ireland and Wales. The Red Squirrels that we breed will help establish more breeding groups hopefully within collections in Cornwall, and in the long term we hope they will be released in Cornwall. More info available here.
Help Save the Greys
A World Parrot Trust campaign for parrots in need
Make a Change!
Each year, thousands of parrots find themselves facing harrowing conditions from capture for the pet trade, abuse and abandonment. Many do not survive; those that do face an uncertain future. More and more the WPT is working with in-country partners to care for these parrots, aiding their rehabilitation and whenever possible, their release to help restore wild populations.
This work is possible thanks to all our supporters. To those who have donated, we THANK YOU. If you haven’t yet, please consider giving today.
Find out more here or go directly to the donate page here >>> Make a Change for parrots »