RADICAL RAPTOR BIRDS OF PREY

EXPERIENCE FALCONRY AT THE ZOO!

Meet Gary Worley (our master falconer) and his team of Radical Raptors with their exciting free flying presentations. The 30 minute narrated Birds of Prey flying presentations are located within our amphitheatre daily at 12:00 pm starting May 1st.

Continuing on June 1st to September 10th daily at 12:00 pm, 2 pm and 4 pm (weather permitting).

For more than 30 years Gary has thrilled audiences of all ages on three continents, educating and training adults and children alike about raptors and the traditions of Falconry. He is recognized as one of the world’s most experienced falconers and birds of prey handlers. Most recently Gary became the recipient of the “BC Entrepreneur of the Year” award, in the category of “Exceptional Sharing of Knowledge and Teaching of Others” in 2005!

In addition to the daily presentations, Gary and his team offer ultimate hands-on experience through the following courses:

1. Flying Experience - half day course designed for those who would like to experience handling and flying a trained raptor. From May 1st (each Sunday). Cost is $65 + GST
2. Birds of Prey Association Day - you can spend the whole day handling and flying hawks and falcons. From May 1st (each Saturday). Cost is $120 + GST
3. 5 Day Summer Child Camp - on July 7th - 11th, for a full week beginners Falconry course. Children age 10-14 years old may attend. Cost is $250 + GST
4. 5 Day Adult Course - May 19th - 23rd, designed to give a realistic insight into the ancient Art of Falconry, discover fascinating facts about Birds of Prey, learn about rehabilitation of injured raptors, how to identify raptors in the wild and discover more about the conservation of Birds of Prey and the habitat they live in.
   Cost is $500 + GST
5. Eagle Encounter (NEW THIS YEAR)- greeted by a falconer at the front gates of the Zoo and after a short introduction you will be escorted around the mews where you will be introduced to our birds of prey. You will be taught how to handle and fly the birds to your gloved hand (includes a Red-Tailed Hawk, Harris Hawk and/or Great Horned Owl), as well as about their physical adaptations and their hunting abilities. The highlight of the day will be spent with one of the world's largest raptors "Skye our Golden Eagle" - a truly magnificent bird! Each participant will also receive a free gift and DVD with photos from your exciting day. Encounters are limited to a maximum of four people, guaranteeing the utmost amount of hands-on experience for our guests. From May 1st begins at 10 am - 4 pm and are available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Minimum age is 17 years. Cost is $200 + GST

For more information on these courses or about Falconry, please contact Gary Worley at the Greater Vancouver Zoo gworley@gvzoo.com or 604.856.6825 ext 31 or via fax 604.857.9008.

Or through the Falcon Bird Control at falconbirdcontrol@shaw.ca or 250.701.9169