There’s a new eligible bachelor in town. Andover in Hampshire to be precise. Angola, the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s resident Secretary Bird, is strutting onto the dating scene just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Angola’s striking good looks and impeccable hunting skills have already seen him amass more than 20 million views from admirers watching his videos on TikTok, so he is more than ready to ruffle a few feathers in the search for a potential match.
Although Angola has been enjoying a bachelor lifestyle, he has reached an age where, in the wild, he might start looking for a breeding partner. So, in celebration of the season of love, the team at the bird of prey conservation charity has created a special ‘dating profile’ for him. Angola’s profile showcases his impressive attributes, including the iconic high-speed stomping technique that is used to dispatch prey with expert precision.
This love story is not just about Angola – it’s part of a much bigger picture. The Hawk Conservancy Trust has been invited to join the Species Committee for the Secretary Bird breeding programme. This important initiative, led by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), brings together experts to guide the long-term conservation and management of this Endangered species.
The Secretary Bird population is in decline, with habitat loss and other threats pushing them closer to extinction. As one of the only collections in the world to showcase these incredible birds in free-flight demonstrations, the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s specialist Bird Team will bring expert advice on pairing, housing and husbandry. Their expertise and experience will help ensure that any future breeding pairs are given the best possible environment to form strong bonds, breed successfully and hopefully raise the next generation of Secretary Birds.
Assuming love does blossom for Angola in the future, the Trust could be an option for providing a home and a safe space for the breeding pair to rear young Secretary Birds and support the conservation of this remarkable species.
For now, Angola is enjoying life as one of the most famous Secretary Birds on the planet – but who knows what the future holds? Right now, the public can see Angola the internet sensation in person at the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s visitor centre near Andover, Hampshire.
In addition, anyone wanting to see if this Valentine’s Day brings any romance for Angola can keep an eye on the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s social media and website at www.hawk-conservancy.org The Hawk Conservancy Trust is dedicated to the research and conservation of birds of prey and their habitats both in the UK and overseas and utilises income from its visitor centre near Andover, Hampshire, to fund its work. Visitors can experience rare birds of prey up close, watch world-class flying displays in three completely different arenas or simply meander through 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow.
