On Sunday 30 November a total of 100 excited children from Epworth Children’s Village, Matjele Community Centre and Orlando Children’s Home, were welcomed with juice and muffins from Mugg and Bean outside the entrance to the Montecasino Bird Gardens. None of these children had ever visited the bird gardens before and could not wait to start exploring.

We visited the aviary and all enclosures evoked shrieks, oohs and aahs, and so many questions from the curious group who were enthralled as they moved from one feature to the next.

With each new bird act during the Flight of Fantasy bird show in the amphitheatre, the children became more animated. Brave Eriska had a Laughing Kookaburra land on her head as the children cheered her on. At the end of the show  we were asked to stay on for a special treat. A group of children bravely stroked the albino Burmese Python while others enjoyed having the raptors up close and personal. Following a dance competition lead by Themba, everyone was declared a winner and received a lollipop from the education team.

The afternoon was wrapped up with lunch donated by Flamingo Café, and Toucan and the Oros Man danced among the children as they indulged in their snacks.

Thanks to the incredible Monte Casino Bird Gardens team for giving the children such a memorable morning, to Mugg and Bean for breakfast, and Flamingo Café for lunch.