PRESS CENTRE 2005 RELEASES

 BACK TO PR INDEX

To download hi-res image, if available: Click on thumbnail to open large image then - PC 'right-click', choose 'Save Pictures As'; MAC 'click and hold', choose 'Download Image to Disk'.

PR003/05 - 18 March 2005

Rani the Hill Mynah bird learns radio speak!

Quicktime Movie - if movie doesn't load download software here

Maintenance staff at Paultons Park seem to have been joined by a new member of the team – Rani, an Indian Hill Mynah bird. Whilst working on new pathways outside Rani’s enclosure the clever bird actually learned to mimic the radio calls that staff use for communication around the Park! In addition to saying such phrases as “Park 15 to Park 30” Rani even mimics the electrical feedback noise that can be heard at the end of each communication!

“The realism of his impressions is quite uncanny” said Mark Taylor, Head of Park Operations “Rani has been keeping the staff thoroughly entertained whilst they have been busy preparing the pathways for the new season”.

Apart from mimicking the Park’s two-way radios Rani also regularly asks visitors, “What’s your name then?” says “Hello” and even mimics other birds, including the Cuckoo!
Rani was born at the Park in 2003 and was hand-reared by the livestock team. Although the ability to talk or mimic is common in a lot of birds the Indian Hill Minor is often considered to be the greatest exponent.

There are over 150 different species of birds and animals at Paultons Park including one of the largest collections of Hornbills in the UK. Paultons is open every day from 10am until Sunday 30th October.

223 Words

-ends-

For further information please contact:
Rob Griffiths - Marketing Manager
Paultons Park Limited, Ower, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6AL.
Telephone: 023 8081 4442 Fax: 023 8081 3025

Editors Notes: Paultons Park is just off exit 2 of the M27, near Romsey in Hampshire. Open 10am daily from 3rd March 2005– 29th October 2006
Additional Images: Available via email, CD or prints upon request.