Birdworld has been building something special for February half term – and it’s taken more than 16,000 toy bricks to bring it to life. 

From 14th to 22nd February, families are invited to step into a winter wonderland for Squid and Friends’ Challenge, a brand-new seasonal trail created in partnership with Bordon-based Iconic Bricks, a local creative studio known for transforming much-loved characters and stories into detailed brick-built displays. 

The trail stars Squid, Birdworld’s much-loved Humboldt penguin, who has been immortalised in brick form alongside 15 of her friends – including Pablo, Pancake, Patrick, Pebble, Peppermint, Percy, Periwinkle, Petunia, Phillip, Pippin, Pongo, Popcorn, Popper, Popsicle and Preston. Hidden around the Park, each brick penguin forms part of a fun, family-friendly trail, encouraging visitors to explore while learning more about penguins, their habitats and how they survive in the wild. 

The event ties in seamlessly with Birdworld’s ‘Naturally Playful’ ethos, which encourages visitors young and old alike to learn through play, and will culminate in an exhibition of large penguins from around the world, to be held in the Palm Café.  

Gemma Payne, Sales Director at Iconic Bricks said: “Working with Birdworld this February half term has been really special for us, particularly as the Park is right on our doorstep. We’ve had so much fun creating a trail of colourful brick penguins that visitors of all ages can enjoy together, and it’s been great to see how naturally it fits into Birdworld’s playful, family-focused approach. 

“Designing a custom model of Squid has been a real highlight. She’s such a character, and knowing that her brick twin will stay at the Park after the half term event makes the project even more meaningful for us.” 

Squid first won hearts around the world through her remarkable friendship with a fellow penguin named Penguin, who helped guide her after she developed cataracts as a chick. Today, Squid – who has since also endured the loss of an eye – is thriving within her colony, having found a mate named Kraken while still retaining her close bond with Penguin. 

James Robson, General Manager at Birdworld said: “February is a brilliant time to wrap up warm and explore the Park, and this trail gives families a really fun way to do just that. As visitors follow Squid and her penguin friends around Birdworld, they’ll also discover the real-life birds that live here and learn more about the different habitats they come from. 

“Squid has become a much-loved character with our visitors over the last couple of years. Her story, bravery and resilience are a real testament to just how incredible our birds are, and we love that this trail gives her fans a new way to connect with her. We’re also pleased that Squid’s brick figure will become a permanent fixture at the Park once the trail ends – we’ll be sharing details of where she’ll be placed very soon. 

He added: “And once families have finished exploring outdoors, they can head inside to warm up in our new 17,000 sq ft Play Barn, enjoy the indoor play areas and relax with a hot drink.”