Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s new areas in Stonham Aspal site are a real hoot for visitors

The opening of a new enclosure and flying display area at an owl sanctuary gave people a chance to walk on the wild side and get close to some of the animals.

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary and Nature Centre, based at Stonham Barns Park at Stonham Aspal, opened its new home for its burrowing owls Templeton and Thelma over the half term holiday.

The charity treats and rehabilitates sick and injured native birds of prey and has more than 80 birds, including falcons, vultures and owls.

Harry Wade, head trainer at the sanctuary, said: “We are really excited to have built a new enclosure for Templeton and Thelma.

“Burrowing owls in the wild will use burrows created by ground squirrels as a safe place to live and nest. We designed the enclosure with this in mind, providing them with plenty of tunnels.

“They are now settling into their new enclosure and seem to be enjoying exploring the new space.”

People also got the chance to explore a new indoor display theatre, with half-term visitors seeing some of the owls in flight.

Children also had the opportunity to fill out a bird-themed activity sheet for a chance to win an animal adoption of their choice.

Jade Baldwin, the site’s avian trainer, said: “We are really pleased to now be able to welcome visitors into our new indoor display theatre.

“The new indoor flying space means visitors will be able to enjoy watching our birds fly while keeping warm this winter.

“We hope that they will not only get to see some of the animals’ personalities, but also learn lots of fascinating facts about them.”

The sanctuary, which is open to the public all year round, also has a nature centre, a woodland walk – where visitors can see meerkats, porcupines, armadillos and red squirrels – as well as an education centre and bug hotels.

To find out more about Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, go online to www.owl-help.org.uk.