Meet the Minnies Handling Experience

Get up close to some of our smaller feathered friends with our popular Meet the Minnies Handling Experience at Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre.

Running daily at 1:00pm and 3:00pm, this hands-on experience gives you the opportunity to handle two beautiful birds under the guidance of our experienced team. There will be plenty of opportunities to take photographs, and each session lasts approximately 10–20 minutes.

To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking your place at reception on arrival, as spaces are limited and this experience is extremely popular.

Birds you may meet

Our birds vary depending on the day’s flying schedule and centre commitments, but may include:

American Kestrel
White-Faced Owl
Red-Backed Hawk
African Barn Owl
Tawny Owl
Hobby Falcon

Price: £10 per person (subject to availability)

Important Information

Tickets must be purchased at reception.
Tickets are non-refundable.
Please arrive at the meeting point 5–10 minutes before your session begins.
Recommended for children aged 4 years and over.
This handling experience does not include admission to Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre, which must be purchased separately.

If you’re planning a visit with us soon, here’s a reminder of our summer timetable:

10:30am – TBOPC opens (arrive 15-20mins before the display)
11:30am – Warriors of The Sky Flying Display
12:15pm – Ideal Lunch Time (Snack bar offering sandwiches, crisps,cakes, hot and cold drinks and ice creams. Picnics are also welcome.)
1.00pm – Meet the Minnie’s Experience*
1:30pm – African Adventure Display (the main display of the day hosting up to 30 birds)
3:00pm – Meet the Minnie’s Experience*
3:30pm – Training Flying Display*
5:00pm – TBOPC Closes 🕣

PLUS don’t forget to complete our free Vulture Scavenger Hunt for a treat on completion and our Owl Scavenger Hunt to enter a prize draw worth £100!

*Book your Meet the Minnie’s Handling Experience at reception. £10pp in addition to the day admission fee.

* After watching our two main displays of the day feel free to join us for our training display where some of our young and new birds will be learning the ropes.

*Displays are weather permitting

Please Arrive 15-20 minutes before our 11:30am display to really make the most of your visit and then watch the 1:30pm flying display. After the displays there will be a chance to ask the handlers any questions you may have.
Explore the other 100+ birds on display.
If your feeling peckish then don’t worry we have you covered, in our snack bar we over sandwiches, crisp, cakes, plus hot and cold drinks are also available or try an ice cream to cool down on a hot day.
Picnics are also welcome, after all who wouldn’t want to have a picnic surrounded by some of the most beautiful birds from around the world.
For more information and our latest photography policy please click here.