We had so much fun visiting the parrots at the Papegaaienpark. During our visit, we got to meet lots and lots of parrots. But the facility is home to more than parrots. The park also takes in unwanted zoo animals, other unwanted exotic pets, and animals confiscated by the Dutch customs authorities at points of entry.
Unflighted birds were scattered throughout different open-air habitats in the park. Some were freely walking among the visitors, while others, like the Emu and the Chicubas, were separated by moats or fences.
Red-crowned Cranes mingled with ducks, pelicans, and others
A small group of Red-breasted Geese crossed the path in front of us
Chicubas shared space with a Bar-headed Goose
Emu looking at you
Others were kept inside large outdoor aviaries.
A pair of Bald Eagles shared a HUGE aviary
This Snowy Owl preferred to stand on the ground
Several times, I walked by a large aviary holding several vulture species. The weather that day was partly cloudy, with a few showers here and there. The last time I walked by the vulture aviary, the sun was shining, and you know what vultures do when the sun comes out… Look at that second sweetheart, sunning herself just like a vulture ought to.
King Vulture in the sun
King Vulture taking in the sun
The final area to visit in the park is a huge building, where several tropical species were housed. Many were free-flighted, but remained wary of people and didn’t approach. Visitors weren’t allowed to feed these birds. The TropiJoy building also had many enclosed aviaries for lots of different bird species.
Sunbittern perched on a railing!
Red-billed Toucan
Impossibly small at just 6.5″: Peruvian Pygmy Owl!!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this photo-heavy mini-series on our visit to the Papegaaienpark in Veldhoven, the Netherlands. It makes me sad that such a place is necessary in this world, but the staff, volunteers, and residents make it a wonderful place to visit. We’ll certainly be back.
Me leaving the park
