Edutainment at World of Wings in Cumbernauld

Situated near Glasgow in the town of Cumbernauld in North Lanarkshire, the Cumbernauld Outdoor Activity Centre offers a host of activities to keep the entire family busy all day. In addition to the thrill of adventure activities such as off-road driving, archery, axe throwing, and target and combat paintball, visitors can take a tour through the World of Wings Birds of Prey Centre – the largest facility of its kind in Scotland – and be amazed at the speed and agility of the centre’s magnificent raptors during the daily free-flight displays.

World of Wings is home to around eighty birds, the majority of which are birds of prey. The collection includes a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) indigenous to North America, Canada and Alaska; a Bateleur Eagle (Terathopius ecaudatus) indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa; an African White-Backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) found throughout Africa; a Rueppell’s Griffon Vulture (Gyps rueppelli) found throughout Africa; a Snowy Owl (Nyctea scnadiaca) found above the treeline in Northern Europe and the Arctic Circle; a Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) found in woodlands of Northern Europe; and a sub-species of Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax rapax). The centre is also home to a spectacular Falcon hybrid, an example of falcons that are bred specifically for hunting wild prey in the sport of falconry. These hybrid birds are not found in the wild. Other birds at the centre include kites, hawks, parrots and a rhea – a large flightless bird native to South America.

While World of Wings offers an enjoyable day out for the family, the main aim of the centre is to educate visitors on the role of birds of prey in the ecology and the importance of the conservation of these magnificent animals. The centre is involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of injured birds of prey, as well as breeding programs in collaboration with other zoos and conservation facilities. The World of Wings Birds of Prey Centre relies almost entirely on funds from entrance fees, so why not pay them a visit and view the birds up close in a safe and pleasant environment. It is sure to be an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.