A rare flock birds has been given a new home at Hayle’s Paradise Park.

The Cornish attraction has taken on 12 Lear’s macaws, who were in urgent need of a new home.

The group were originally among birds illegally smuggled into the UK in the 1980s and subsequently confiscated by customs and excise officials.

The birds, which are native to Brazil, have lived in seclusion ever since and over time their numbers have increased through breeding.

But as the only Lear’s macaws in the UK, their preservation is critical. 

“These are important birds, an endangered species threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and the wild bird trade,” said David Woolcock, curator of Paradise Park. 

“We are proud to be the only sanctuary in the UK to house them. Our objective is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that helps each bird express their unique character.”

Paradise Park, in collaboration with the World Parrot Trust has worked tirelessly to create and maintain a new aviary suitable for the birds. The future plans for these magnificent birds may include reintroduction into their native habitat as part of a larger conservation project aimed at preserving the species.

Mr Woolcock added: “Working with many rare and endangered species at Paradise Park is always rewarding, and we were more than happy to provide a home to the Lear’s. We know our visitors will love these birds as much as we do.”