Splash outside, chill inside... Bird Baths (water play) and our air-conditioned Play Barn have you covered!Splash outside, chill inside... Bird Baths (water play) and our air-conditioned Play Barn have you covered!Splash outside, chill inside... Bird Baths (water play) and our air-conditioned Play Barn have you covered!Splash outside, chill inside... Bird Baths (water play) and our air-conditioned Play Barn have you covered!Splash outside, chill inside... Bird Baths (water play) and our air-conditioned Play Barn have you covered!
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Birdworld is spreading its wings into the world of art with the launch of The Birds, our very first art exhibition, and it’s already creating a buzz.

This unique exhibition showcases a stunning collection of twenty original oil paintings by renowned British artist Paul Nelson, each inspired by some of Birdworld’s most beloved feathered residents. From the vibrant personality of Boy the Toucan to the majestic Snowy Owls Moose and Elk, and fan-favourite Humboldt Penguins Squid and Penguin, visitors have the chance to see these incredible birds through an entirely new lens.

Where Art Meets Wildlife

Hosted in our newly transformed exhibition space, formerly the Palm Café, The Birds celebrates the beauty, character and conservation stories behind the birds that make Birdworld so special.

The exhibition was born from a chance meeting between Nelson and Birdworld’s General Manager, James Robson, in the summer of 2025. Living just a stone’s throw from the park, Nelson had long admired Birdworld’s remarkable collection. Together, they developed the idea of creating a series of paintings that would place each bird at the heart of its natural habitat, reflecting the environments Birdworld works tirelessly to help protect.

Over the course of a year, Nelson immersed himself in the collection, observing the birds’ movements, behaviours and personalities. The experience inspired a new direction in his work, resulting in a collection that captures not only the beauty of the birds themselves but also the landscapes and ecosystems they depend upon.

A Celebration of Conservation

More than just an art exhibition, The Birds shines a spotlight on Birdworld’s ongoing conservation efforts. A percentage of proceeds from artwork sales will be donated directly to the Birdworld Conservation Fund, which has raised more than £90,000 for wildlife initiatives around the globe since 2008.

For Birdworld, the exhibition represents a natural extension of its mission. The birds have always been at the heart of everything the park does, and Nelson’s paintings offer a fresh and compelling way to tell their stories. By depicting each bird within its native habitat, the collection serves as a powerful reminder of the environments Birdworld is working to help conserve and the importance of protecting wildlife around the world.

See Birdworld Like Never Before

Whether you’re an art lover, wildlife enthusiast, photographer or simply looking for a unique day out, The Birds offers a fascinating new way to connect with some of Birdworld’s most iconic residents.

Landscape has always been central to Nelson’s artistic practice, but placing Birdworld’s birds at the centre of each composition allowed him to explore new creative possibilities while telling a broader story about the natural world. The first painting in the collection featured Boy the Toucan — who is, in fact, a girl, and set the tone for a series that combines artistic expression with a deeper appreciation of wildlife and conservation.

As you explore the exhibition, you’ll discover the personalities behind the paintings, learn more about the habitats these species call home, and gain a greater understanding of why protecting them matters.

Open until 12 July, The Birds offers a rare opportunity to experience Birdworld’s most celebrated residents through the eyes of one of Britain’s most respected artists. With all works available to purchase and several already attracting significant interest, this remarkable exhibition is not to be missed.