The Aviary

Lady Baillie kept exotic birds for much of her life, specialising in Australian finches and parakeets. The new memorial aviaries were officially opened in 1988, and now house over 100 species from all over the world. The loss of natural habitat of many of these birds threatens their survival in the wild.

Watch the Toco Toucans playing Ker Plunk as part of a programme to help enrich the lives of these colourful birds on

Don't miss the Aviary Tours at 12noon daily

left to right: Toco Toucan, Fischers Touraco and Van der Deckens Honbill

Breeding birds in a safe, well-managed captive environment ensures the survival of these diverse and spectacular species.

Since its opening, the Aviary has become noted not only for its numerous breeding successes but for a number of breeding firsts! These have included the von der Decken Hornbill (Tockus deckeni), the Fischers Touraco (Touraco fischeri) and the Crowned Hornbill (Tockus alboterminatus). In recent years the Aviary has also successfully bred Toco Toucans; a spectacular species rarely bred in zoos. As a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos & Aquaria, our aviaries are managed according to the highest standards.

Adopt a Bird

You can now help us to conserve the many species of birds in our aviaries by adopting a bird.
Tell me more about bird adoptions.

Keeper for a Day

Find out what goes on behind the scenes at the Leeds Castle aviairies.
Tell me more about being a keeper for a day.

Rainforest Hide

The new Aviary Rainforest Hide, housed in the refurbished information centre, offers an inspiring interactive experience for visitors, particularly families. The Hide recreates a rainforest field station atmosphere, delivering information about birds and raising awareness of their importance within an ecosystem.

Children will experience sights and sounds that transport them into the world of birds, highlighting species adaptations and environments. It contains visual and interactive displays which inform the visitor about the Leeds Castle conservation projects in the wild and suggests ways children can help birds in their own gardens and parks.