Unfortunately, there has been six cases of bird flu detected within commercial poultry farms in the very near vicinity of the centre, we are still within two 3km control zones and six 10km protection zones.
We have been maintaining a high biosecurity protocol in line with our own veterinarian policy from the 1st November in anticipation of the winter outbreak.
We elected to remain closed for March as this can be the most intense period for bird flu.
We have had to reduce and adapt the flying team temporarily due to the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) ruling that if a bird goes out of sight for one minute it must be quarantined away from the collection for fourteen days. This clearly is not workable for our birds, so we have adapted some of our birds flying and exercise times to be more point to point flying whilst the restrictions are in place.
What this means to the running of the centre?
We now plan to reopen from Thursday 10th April with initially only two flying displays at 11:30am and 1.30pm.
We will be closing a little earlier at 3.30pm to enable staff to maintain high bio security procedures and to continue training and exercise the remaining team of birds.
You will see foot dips on entry to the centre, please use them and any additional foot dips or pads located around the centre to help protect our birds. You will see staffing using foot dips or boxes before entering bird accommodation areas as well.
Hopefully things will be back to a more relaxed state by May/June
• 10:30am – TBOPC opens (arrive 15- 20 mins before the first flying display)
• 11:30am – First Flying Display
• 12:15pm – Ideal Lunch Time (Snack bar offering sandwiches, crisps, cakes, hot and cold drinks. Picnics are also welcome.)
• 1.00pm – Meet the Minnie’s Experience*
• 1:30pm – Second Flying Display
• 2:30pm – Meet the Minnie’s Experience*
PLUS don’t forget to complete our free Vulture Scavenger Hunt for a treat on completion.
Five-star Experience Days based in beautiful North Yorkshire.
As seen on The Yorkshire Vet, Summer Time on The Farm and Apple TV!
Give the gift of special memories and magical moments, look no further than our range of incredible hands-on experience days! Come and join us for the ultimate experience at TBOPC, established for over 30 years, an award winning small attraction and seen on the popular show, The Yorkshire Vet!
We provide high quality experiences in a fun and friendly way with plenty of “hands on” opportunities with a vast number of birds. Our experiences are highly recommended and reviewed, they are also hard to be beaten! Join us for a 5 star experience that will not be forgotten.
Click here for more information.
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Gift Vouchers are valid from 1st March 2025 till 31st October 2025. *
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Spectator Tickets are available for £20 or £25 depending on which experience is purchased.
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Gift Vouchers will be processed and posted within 24hrs.
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We run these experiences most days of the week including weekends. *
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Vouchers can be purchased through our website or over the phone by calling 01845 587522
Buying gifts from us will help support our conservation work, breeding programs and help towards the upkeep and longevity of TBOPC and all the feathered residents.
Meet the Minnies Handling Experience
(1st March 2025 – 31st October 2025
£10 pp (subject to availability)
Enjoy a wonderful time at Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre whilst getting to know and meet some of our smaller feathered friends.
This exciting addition to your visit runs at 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Two birds will be able to be handled at one of the dedicated handling times. Photographs are welcome and the duration is around 10-20mins. Please book your Meet the Minnie’s Experience on arrival to avoid any disappointment as this experience is very popular.
We have a selection of feathered friends that might take part on the handling experience depending on the centre’s commitments on the day.
- Aplomado Falcon
- Barn Owl
- White Faced Owl
- Kestrel
- American Kestrel
- Spectecled Owl
- Makinders Eagle Owl
Purchase tickets at reception. Tickets are non-refundable. Please arrive at the meeting point 5-10minutes ahead of your handling experience time.
We advise for children to be 4 years old and up to take part on this mini experience
This handling experience does not include admission into the centre.
