Gary & Danielle's Northern Exposure

Who would have thought that Randalstown Forest would have been home to a sanctuary of owls? Not that they were the only creatures to be found on site; awaiting our arrival were a plethora of snakes, lizards and other creepy crawlies who had all made their home in the grounds of World of Owls. On arrival at the edge of the forest we knew immediately that this was the perfect location for any animal seeking safe refuge from the outside world.

BACKGROUND

World of Owls opened to the public within the past two years. What initially started as a hobby for owner/manager Mike Gibb became a fulltime job as people turned to him for help with injured and abandoned birds. Before long Mike found himself with his own rescue centre.

Each creature is assessed individually if it's possible for them to be returned to the wild then Mike and the team will try to rehabilitate the animal. Any creature not likely to survive in the wild is guaranteed a home for life. All of this means that visitors to the centre can be sure to see anything from a barn owl to a buzzard. Their reputation for rescuing animals means they can now count several tarantulas, a selection of pythons and boa constrictors, a bearded dragon (basically a big lizard) and some cockroaches amongst the family.

The work at World of Owls has meant it’s one of only three organisations in Northern Ireland recognised by BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Firstly make your way through the grounds of the centre and look at the large variety of owls and birds of prey on site. Then head inside to the Crawlies Cavern and check out the spiders and reptiles who reside indoors, There is also a petting park area which in the past has played home to alpacas, donkeys and miniature sheep. (Remember this is a rehabilitation centre, so it's not possible to guarantee which animals will be on site at any one time.)

There are play facilities on hand, and anyone wanting to make a day of their visit can bring a picnic with them.   You can also have a bbq in the grounds of World of Owls by letting staff know in advance.  Café facilities are also available.

COST

Our information is correct as of July 2008. It's best to check locations are open before you travel!.

Summer opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 11 to 6. Winter opening times are Tuesday to Sunday, 11 to 4. Entrance costs £2.50 for children and £3.50 for adults. Guided tours available for groups of ten people or more

BOOKING

Check out www.worldofowls.com for more information. Tel: 028 94 472 307

World of Owls

32 Mount Shalgus Lane

Randalstown

Co Antrim

BT41 3LE

SIMILAR PLACES

Belfast Zoo

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