The Owls Trust — Attraction in Llandudno

Looked online to see a wonderful sanctuary where they rehabilitate birds. When I arrived that was far from the case. The birds that you see on display are bred in captivity, for the sole purpose of "showing people different species" as one of the workers pointed out. These birds are in cages hardly fit for pigeons let alone massive birds of prey. I was saddened to see that a particular bird, was born in to captivity in 2012, the bird is not an endangered species or hurt or had anything wrong with it whatsoever, but lived in a small cage for the last 12 years unable to fly or integrate with any of its own kind, the only reason it was there was to be shown off to the public. I also witness an owl try to take flight in the cage but bounced its head off the top of the cage and quickly had to sit back on a stick again, probably been there for the last 10 years. This is DEFINITELY not a sanctuary, and was actually pointed out by one of the workers to be a zoo. I was very deeply shocked to learn that if an owl came to the zoo with bad eyes, instead of homing it at the zoo, or trying to repair the eyes and release back into the wild, they simply kill the bird, again this was pointed out by one of the workers. I even asked, if these birds are not endangered and not hurt in anyway, why are they here? And the answer I got was "to show the public different species".

If you are wanting to see birds in big averys full of life and flight, or if you want to see birds being rehabilitated and released, then this is not the place for you. I was deeply upset walking...

We visited the Owls Trust twice whilst on our holiday in Llandudno in July. Our first visit was on the 19th and we were surprised to be the only ones around. We were still going round when they were due to close, and although Pam had to leave to see to a sick owl she said we were welcome to stay looking around, as long as we left before 5pm. So impressed were we, at the number and variety of the owls/hawks/kookaburras, I decided to adopt an owl when we got back to our accomodation. Which I did, and after much deliberation Charlie the Eurasian Eagle Owl became my adopted owl.

As we were returning home on the 27th we wanted to visit again so that I could meet Charlie in person, so I rang to make sure this was possible and Pam said just ask for Julia (the manager) when you arrive. There were quite a few people there this time and Woodii the owl was already out and being introduced to a family. Julia was friendly & knowledgeable and although busy got Charlie out of his aviary for me. I had quite a long time with him, stroking him and being told about him, but couldn't personally hold him, so because of this I had the opportunity to hold and sit with Woodii, who is adorable. I am eagerly awaiting my adoption pack as a reminder of our memorable visit along with the numerous photos we took on the two days.

I would encourage anyone with or without children, when in Llandudno, to visit this...

The Owls Trust relies solely on donations and grants to care for these stunning birds. As a visitor, you get the opportunity to see and learn more about a wide variety of owls, some of them extremely rare.

You can also adopt an owl and, having done so, can make arrangements to meet your owl personally and get up close to them. A friend adopted an owl for my son last Christmas and he was delighted to be able to stroke Woodii when we visited. We're fortunate to live just a 30 minute drive away.

The site for the Owls Trust is within a small farm park and has a cafe and toilets. Everyone volunteering/working there seems friendly.

We were once given a 40 minute personal tour by a fantastic volunteer because she had time before a class was visiting. Other times, there are good information boards but my insatiable son always wants to know more.

Such an important charity to support - definitely take the time to visit and perhaps adopt your own...