PR #001 – 10-20-2007
For immediate release

29 October 2008
Jurong BirdPark
No. 2 Jurong Hill
Singapore 628925

The “Noblest Sport of all Times” –Falconry lives at the Jurong BirdPark Singapore
-Be a Falconer- The official re-launch of a royal sport

November 2nd marks a new dimension to the currently popular and exclusive Be a Falconer Programme of the Jurong BirdPark Singapore. The action takes place mainly at the Fuji Hawk Walk where only 6 guest celebrities, personalities and media will be invited to experience this royal sport.

The latest offering relives the ancient yet highly popular sport exclusive only to royalty, the aristocrats and the nobles during the 13 th to 15 th century Europe.

Then, it was totally off limits to the commons to possess birds of prey and practice the sport. Those who possessed birds of prey “out of their class and league” were penalised by cutting their fingers off.

Unlike the harsh punishment given to those who broke the law then, Falconry is a non-bloody nor a gory sport. Instead it is a test of patience, authority, dexterity, and sincere passion for Raptors of the majestic kind. The Falconer takes centrestage as he showcases the skills needed to master these powerful birds.

Falconry is an art and practice of hunting wild quarry with a trained hawk or falcon. Trained birds of prey are being used to hunt or pursue a game. Today in modern Falconry, the term “falconer” and “falconry” now apply to all use of trained birds of prey.

“The Jurong BirdPark has conducted the Be a Falconer Programme since 2003.

The Birds of Prey are considered some of the rarest and unusual looking of Avian species and through the years, the BirdPark has starred unusual Raptors to create the experience.

During the programme guests will meet the lovely Sheela, a Secretary Bird. The 3.5 kilos beauty will land on one’s fist for a photo opportunity. With Sheela on one’s fist, Falconer can easily see how agile these long-limbed beauty is.

Other Raptors appearing include; Hawk Eye (Harris’ Hawk), Hazel the Hooded Vulture from Africa, Priscilla, a Lugger Falcon from the Middle East, some Brahminy Kites natives from South East Asia and some Ruppells Griffon Vulture.

“We have close to 207 Birds of Prey here at the Jurong BirdPark, we use to only have 100 birds years ago. In the programme, we also change the birds to make sure that we are able to introduce other species. It also allows other birds to take rest. Be a Falconer demonstrates the natural behaviours of these majestic predators, known for their swiftness, incredible eye vision, sharp talons, hunting prowess and their powerful wings,” Hawk Centre Manager, Clarence Saw explains.

“We usually have European guests, who are keen to try out the sport as it relives their ancestral bondage with a sport so loved in their countries hundreds of years ago. A Falconer must display the necessary skills needed to show these birds that they are partners in their hunting adventure rather than merely masters. We need to earn the bird’s trust, through years of training and patience, rain or shine. The visitors long for this rare chance to handle, touch, stroke, take photos, feed and study these birds as they hunt for prey. Until the trained bird lands back to a Falconer’s hand, only then can we say this sport is successful,” chief falconer, Clarence Saw adds.

Aspiring Falconers will also get to receive exclusive Falconer’s surprise gift placed in a Medieval Box, with a Falconer’s Certificate, a Photo Frame with his/her photo with a Raptor. In order to enhance the feel of aristocracy and nobility, the mementos will come in colours red and purple.

To enjoy this “noblest sport of all times” as described by Roman emperor Frederick II, during his reign in the 13th century, please contact the Jurong BirdPark Guest Relations Front Desk for Walk-In or Pre-Bookings. Be a Falconer allows only 6 participants daily.

For Media Interviews, please contact:
Pamela Wildheart
Senior Manager (Corporate Communications)
Jurong BirdPark Singapore
DID: 66617808
HP: 93360498
Email: pamela@birdpark.com.sg

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