A popular tourist attraction in Co Sligo that hosted Ireland's largest sanctuary for raptors and owls has closed due to unforeseen circumstances.
'Eagles Flying - The Irish Raptor Research Centre’ attracted more than 20,000 visitors annually with daily shows including eagles, hawks, falcons and vultures.
German Consultant Biologist and owner of parent company Eagles Flying Lothar Muschketat said the decision to close was "not easy".
"It's a little bit like losing a family member because our family started it nearly 25 years ago and we put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into it," he said.
Lothar and Regina Muschketat arrived in Ireland in the mid-1990s to retire.
They bought a 27-hectare farm and brought along some birds of prey. They then opened the Irish Raptor Research Centre for private research in 1999.
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Mr Muschketat said they wanted to do some private research and never intended to open it publicly.
"People showed up. They were interested in seeing the birds. We thought, why should we use the birds to support the reintroduction programs?
"We thought, if we do shows, if we tell people about the biology of these birds, they might stop killing them or support these reintroduction programs, " Mr Muschketat added.
"These birds we had here in the sanctuary were perfect ambassadors for their wild kin."
Eagles Flying was awarded the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence nine years in a row and the Travellers Choice Award by Tripadvisor.
"Like working with people, probably a little bit easier"
The Irish Raptor Centre became known as Ireland's largest sanctuary for raptors and owls, home also to different species of eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and vultures.
Mr Muschketat said they had about 120 birds of prey here in the sanctuary at peak times.
"We had many different species from the little Merlin up to the Himalayan Vultures.
"They are some of the biggest birds of prey in the world, together with the European Black Vulture and the Andean Condor," Mr Muschketat added.
Eagles Flying offered interactive shows where visitors experienced raptors flying over their head or landing next to them.
"It's like working with people, probably a little bit easier. If you do your job right, they [birds of prey] trust you and they are very reliable.
"On the other hand, you must consider that they are wild animals, and they stay wild all their life".
The German consultant biologist will be rehoming some of the birds of prey to zoos, falconries and private keepers. Some will be staying, including two European Golden Eagles called Olga and Rocky.
Devastating loss to the region
The centre had provided work opportunities and employment for many over the years.
Chloe Convery has helped care for the birds of prey since she was 13 years of age.
"This place has given me the confidence to engage with them. I hope to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
"You generally don’t get to interact with birds of prey, whereas I can learn about their individual habits and personalities. They all have their separate quirks".
Co-Chairperson of Destination Sligo Forum Gerard Moore said the closure of Eagles Flying is a devastating loss to the north west region.
"At its peak, it attracted over 20,000 visitors. It was an all-year-round attraction which attracted all age groups suitable for families," Mr Moore said.
"It's a devastating loss in the region but saying that we do have other attractions that are key for the region, including the Atlantic Sheepdogs and The Sligo Folk Park".
