City slickers get up close with Australian birdlife in unique Feathered Friends experience

SEEING a red-tailed black cockatoo up close is something many city children won’t get the chance to do. One man is making sure more children in the world get up close with our creatures.

Jude and Feathered Friends handler Kayleen Crawford with Giselle the barn owl. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

• Bee makes her debut at the Easter Show
• Ravi takes his bird show to Homebush
• Baby barn owls meet the public

SEEING a red-tailed black cockatoo up close is something many city children won’t get the chance to do.

But Feathered Friends is giving youngsters the chance, after branching out to cater for birthday parties and private functions.

They have a range of birds — from cockatoos to owls and birds of prey.

Ravi Wasan’s passion for birds shines through when he is sharing their stories.

Jude and Terry the red-tailed black cockatoo. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

Ravi Wasan with a baby red-tailed black cockatoo. Picture: Toby Zerna

Most of the birds at Feathered Friends have been rescued after being abandoned.

With his bird sanctuary located­ in the Liverpool area, and his team of handlers, Mr Wasan has taught his feathered friends how to fly and hunt for food.

Some were poached, some abandoned, others injured during storms and rescued.

“It’s a unique experience like no other,” Mr Wasan said.

“It’s appropriate for all ages. It’s interactive, fun, educational and truly unforgettable.”

Ravi Wasan connects with a youngster in the crowd at his Sydney Royal Easter Show performance this year. Picture: Phil Rogers

Ravi Wasan and his macaws at the Sydney Royal Easter Show this year. Picture: Phil Rogers

Mr Wasan said the party wouldn’t be limited to just birds. He’s got reptiles and other animals he’ll bring along.

“Imagine a barn owl flying around your home and meeting different exotic parrots,” he said.

“We’ve really struggled to connect with children through our shows, but giving them the chance to fly them themselves, it’s their own private free-flight show.”

The opportunities will be educational — children will also learn about the animal.

Mr Wasan grew up training his dog and a cockatoo.

He became a botanist and said he fell into rescuing birds and performing with them around Australia.

Terry the red-tailed black cockatoo hangs out with Jude. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

Ravi and two baby red-tailed black cockatoos. Picture: Toby Zerna

“I love what I do. We put in hours of endless time working with birds whenever they need us for that little bit of extra support.”

Feathered Friends is in demand for its knowledge of bird and dog behaviour and management, and has shows on the Central Coast and in Melbourne over the coming weeks.

Details: 0423 414 973 or email [e-mail].