Meet The Birdmen of Kynren

Long before visitors arrive at Kynren – The Storied Lands this summer, long before the first macaw sweeps overhead or a flock of crowned cranes takes to the skies, Jimmy Robinson is already at work.

By sunrise he is preparing food, checking weights, monitoring behaviour and caring for more than 100 birds that will play starring roles in The Lost Feather, one of the flagship experiences at the UK's first live action show park.

“It's part personal trainer and part five-star room service,” he laughs. “The birds come first every single day.”

As Curator of Birds and Conservation at Kynren – The Storied Lands, Jimmy has spent years building towards what he describes as a dream project; a spectacular live experience that combines free flying birds, storytelling, history, education and conservation.

He leads a specialist team of six full time Bird Trainers and Guardians and 10 seasonal Aviary Assistants, who work together to care for, train and present the collection of more than 100 birds featured in The Lost Feather.

“Being asked to do the job that I do at Kynren fills me with immense joy,” he said.

“I often pinch myself to check it's real. I can honestly say I love my job.”

That passion stretches back as far as he can remember.

Born in the North East and raised in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, Jimmy developed an early fascination with birds that never left him.

“I've simply always loved them,” he said. “Everything about birds fascinates me; their personalities, behaviour, intelligence and how they interact with the world.”

There was, however, one memorable early influence.

“I had a pet Saxony duck called Paul who used to swim in the sink during bath time,” he said. “Maybe it all started there.”

At 11 years old, while many children were asking for games consoles, Jimmy asked for a visit to the Hawk Conservancy Trust so he could see a secretary bird and a Steller's sea eagle in real life. Eight years later he was working there professionally.

Jimmy pursued his ambition through volunteering and practical experience, eventually working alongside some of the world's leading bird specialists and falconers, including Dr Nick Fox OBE in Northumberland.

Today, that experience feeds directly into The Lost Feather.

Set within a spectacular eagle's nest inspired arena known as an eyrie, the production explores humanity's relationship with birds through breathtaking free flight displays, music, storytelling and conservation messages designed to inspire audiences of all ages.

“The Lost Feather isn't just a show,” said Jimmy.

“It has to engage our audiences, leave a lasting impact and help people better understand the natural world and why conservation matters.

“For months I've walked the path that our guests will take into the incredible nest-shaped arena. I hope that from the moment they walk through the trees and see this extraordinary structure they feel transported into the world of birds. Then the storytelling can begin.”

While many details remain closely guarded ahead of opening, audiences can expect to see some of the world's most remarkable bird species in action.

Vibrant macaws will bring flashes of colour across the arena. Elegant white storks will soar overhead. Intelligent ravens will demonstrate their remarkable personalities, while African crowned cranes will take flight with striking grace and precision.

Visitors will also encounter vultures, one of the most threatened groups of birds on the planet and a species that holds particular significance for Jimmy.

Through Kynren's conservation work, breeding programmes and partnerships, the attraction is helping raise awareness of species facing increasing challenges in the wild.

“I've always dreamed of seeing a flock of African crowned cranes take to the air together,” he said.

“The beauty and elegance they show in flight is extraordinary. Nature is all about balance. Every species plays its own unique role and I hope we've captured some of that within The Lost Feather.

“The birds are the real stars. My colleagues just happen to have feathers.”

Anna Warnecke, CEO of Kynren, said Jimmy's passion and expertise had helped shape one of the most distinctive experiences visitors will encounter anywhere in the new attraction.

"Jimmy, together with our dedicated team of Bird Trainers, Guardians and Aviary Assistants, brings extraordinary knowledge, creativity and commitment to everything they do.

"The Lost Feather is visually spectacular, but it is also deeply meaningful. It reflects our commitment to conservation, education and creating experiences that stay with people long after they leave.

“We hope visitors will be inspired not only by the beauty of these incredible birds, but by the important role they play in our world,” she added.

Kynren – The Storied Lands opens on 18th July in Bishop Auckland and will feature five large scale live shows and immersive experiences inspired by history, myth and legend.

For Jimmy, however, success will be measured in something much simpler.

“If people leave seeing birds differently, if they look up more often or develop a greater appreciation for the wildlife around them, then we've achieved something important,"

“ he said.