Goodbye, Kellie!

We’re saying goodbye to Birds Section Leader, Kellie Piper, today as she flies off to join another animal collection.

But we’re also bidding a fond farewell to some feathered stars of our daily birds of prey show, as Gyr Saker falcon, Riot, Ferruginous buzzard, Icarus, American kestrel, Ruby, Harris Hawk, Teal and African spotted eagle owl, Kaiser who are all owned by Kellie, are also relocating with her.

Kellie first started at DZG seven years ago as a bird keeper, moving to the Education department where she gave daily talks around the site, before returning as Birds Section Leader three years ago.

And she’s had many highlights during her time here, including caring for the Humboldts in Penguin Bay – one of the UK’s biggest colonies, appearing on TV alongside wildlife presenter Steve Backshall for the day and handrearing some special chicks including a baby Rhea, all in addition to becoming a mum herself to 18 month-old Megan.

Kellie, who will be joining a falconry centre close to her Tewkesbury home, said: “I’m really going to miss DZG, especially the birds I’ve worked with and in particular the penguins, parrots and toucan, but falconry is my passion, so I’m looking forward to the next adventure.”

Good Luck, Kellie!

Make sure you come back and visit us in the next few months when the revamped flamingo enclosure and lorikeet walkthrough will be completed!