Set in the pretty town of Hayle, five miles from St Ives, Paradise Park is a home for over 1,200 birds plus red pandas, red squirrels, Asian otters, and farm animals. Cared for by a fabulous team of zoo keepers, there’s also a host of other attractions to keep little ones entertained.
Established in 1973, over 130 species of birds call Paradise Park their home, including macaws, cockatoos, lovebirds, Mynah birds, vultures, hornbills, eagles, owls, and penguins. There’s also a host of mammals too, from red pandas and pygmy goats to otters and miniature ponies.
Hugely concerned with the conservation of endangered species, founders Mike and Audrey Reynolds launched the World Parrot Trust in 1989 and more locally Operation Chough, formed to help save this local species of crow. Over the years Paradise Park has won many accolades for conservation work, making it hugely important in the fight to save species in peril.
It’s not all about conservation though, with plenty of activities to keep children (and adults) amused, Paradise Park is a wonderful place to visit. If the weather’s not on your side, kids will love the JungleBarn indoor play centre, with giant slides, soft play area and a toddler’s zone with ball fountain. For grownups, there’s a balcony on which to relax overlooking the gardens, where you can rest with a coffee and maybe read a paper or two.
There’s lots of interactive activities with the birds too. For instance, there are free flying bird shows (if you purchase some nectar, you can feed the Lorikeets!), penguin feeding and photocalls, displays of eagles in flight and the opportunity to feed little parrots.
But it’s not just the birds and mammals that are the stars; there’s also a gorgeous, 14-acre tropical garden to help the birds feel at home. Planting has been chosen to provide plenty of nectar for the birds, plus this is home to the Australian aviaries where the lorikeets live. In addition, there are succulent beds, a gazebo garden, butterfly garden, koi ponds, bee garden, a parrot jungle and plenty of spots for a quiet moment, whilst there’s also a picnic lawn should you bring your own lunch with you.
There’s a café, gift shop and plant shop should you need refreshments or to pick up a souvenir or two.
Please note, dogs are not allowed on the site, except for official assistance dogs.
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Paradise Park, 16 Trelissick Road, Hayle TR27 4HB | 01736 751 020 | paradisepark.org.uk
