And Paultons has gained a reputation for its breeding successes with a wide range of species. Ninety per cent of the birds bred go to other zoos and collections in the UK and as far away as China, Russia and the United Arab Emirates. The man who stands at the helm of the bird collection is curator Geoff Masson. Geoff has a lifetime in zoos behind him. He started in the bird department at Dudley zoo then spent more than ten years as assistant curator at Twycross zoo, in the Midlands, coming to Paultons 15 years ago.
Birds of prey are a special interest.
He formerly bred them on a private basis and is still very much involved, especially with collections in the Arab states, which he visits regularly. Geoff showed me around the grounds and told me something of their remarkable history. More recently, historically speaking, the gardens were designed by Capability Brown, the renowned 18 th century landscape gardener. It is into these gardens that the aviaries and ponds have been landscaped. The setting is beautiful, and was ablaze with rhododendrons and azaleas when I was there.