We are very sad that one of our favourite choughs, ‘Piran’, has died. He was an exuberant –  even boisterous – fellow, who often featured in the Free-Flying Bird Show here at Paradise Park.

Red-billed Chough ‘Piran’ (A Hales)

Piran was hand-reared at Paignton Zoo, and as such was extremely tame. He was introduced to another friendly chough “Oggie” who was reared at Paradise Park, and they became good companions.

Piran in the Free-Flying Bird Show at Paradise Park (A Hales)

Having friendly choughs at Paradise Park has always been an important way for us to show how wonderful this species is. They are very popular with our visitors – to see them close up, flying free, and even to give them a tickle, is a unique experience.

Piran died suddenly and without any indication of ill health, but a post mortem showed that he had a kidney problem. He will be greatly missed by all at Paradise Park.