NEWS

Desmond Swayne MP and Liberty the Bald-Headed Eagle

RAPTOR AND REPTILE CENTRE OPENED WITH A SHOW
The Liberty's Raptor and Reptile Centre in Crow, Ringwood opened on 12th February with MP Desmond Swayne, his wife Moira and daughter Emma cutting the ribbon and meeting Liberty the American bald headed eagle who flapped her wings majestically in honour of this important event.

After two years of planning applications and long delays, the old and notorious New Forest Old Sanctuary finally transformed to the Liberty's Raptor and Reptile Centre and opened for business for the children's half term under the completely new management of Giles Talbot, the falconer extraordinary.

An invited audience of teachers, town and district councillors, Scout and Guide leaders, hoteliers, camp and caravan site owners, taxi and bus service owners, and other New Forest tourism attractions plus an army of media were the first visitors to this Centre which specialises in birds of prey and large and menacing reptiles.

There is Cuddles the 15 foot python that could swallow a man, the bird eating tarantula, and a deadly green iguana. All of the reptiles and many of the birds had originally been bought as pets from pet shops, and then grown too big to handle and were rescued by Giles. Many of the owls had been left behind by the old owner and had been cared for by Giles and his volunteer staff.

Giles gave a lively demonstration of flying the birds of prey and showing off the reptiles. During the two demonstrations he said: "It is very unwise to buy reptiles or birds of prey as pets, they are not suitable for children and they often end up having to be euthanized or ending up at my Centre."

The Centre was also thrown open to the public free of charge to Ringwood residents on the Sunday 13th. Hundreds of people flocked to see the Raptors (birds who catch their prey with their feet), the reptiles, plus the giant rabbits and enormous tortoises. Those visiting free were invited to contribute to the Jigsaw appeal which is for medical scanners for Bournemouth Hospital.

The Centre will now be open for business at weekends, half terms, children's school holidays and all during the summer from April to October. Giles Talbot is also happy to go to schools and other associations to give talks and flying demonstrations. It is open from 10.00am - 5.00pm and costs £4.95 for an adult and £3.50 a child or Old Age Pensioner. Tel 01425 476487.

From Belinda Charlton 01425 473813 www.bcamarketing.co.uk

Anne James, Michael Thierry, Rob James and Dawn Moses

David Cromarty, Michael Thierry and Anne James