Peacocks unfurl their intricate tail feathers in a dazzling array of colors, flapping their wings and wagging their tails to attract the peahens. A massive white pelican swoops overhead and alights beside you. Meanwhile, white doves peck around your feet or flutter near your shoulders, coaxing you to shower them with praise and popcorn. This is the immersive experience at Islamabad’s Lake View Park’s walk-in aviary, an 80-foot-high structure spanning 3.8 acres.
The aviary houses approximately 7,000 birds, including over 400 species such as curacaos—one of the oldest bird species on Earth—peacocks, crowned pigeons, crowned cranes, pheasants, flamingos, turkeys, and various types of parrots. There are also large pelicans, whose aerial displays thrill visitors. The aviary showcases some of the rarest and most endangered bird species. Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a vibrant symphony of chirps, whistles, and songs echoing through towering trees and cascading waterfalls.
Designed to replicate the natural habitats of its inhabitants, the aviary features sections that mimic tropical rainforests and arid deserts, encouraging natural behaviors and breeding success. Guests can meander along winding paths, each turn revealing a new species in its lush environment. Keep an eye out for the majestic harpy eagle or the elusive shoebill stork. This remarkable aviary stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence between birds and human stewardship, proudly claiming its place as the third largest aviary sanctuary globally, a testament to conservation and preservation efforts.
Step into this verdant sanctuary, and you are instantly enveloped in a symphony of colors, sounds, and life. The air is filled with the melodious chorus of thousands of birds, their vibrant plumage painting the sky with hues of azure, emerald, and crimson. The serene vista of a tranquil lake, its shimmering waters reflecting the vibrant tapestry of avian life, punctuates the verdant landscape. This sanctuary hosts a staggering array of avian species, a melting pot of biodiversity spanning continents and ecosystems.
The experience extends beyond observation, with interactive exhibits inviting guests to engage with the ecosystem through touch, sound, and sight. Educational programs, including birdwatching workshops and nature walks, immerse visitors in the beauty of avian life. Children can enjoy hands-on activities at the discovery center, learning about bird anatomy, migration patterns, and habitat preservation. This blend of fun and education creates a memorable experience for families, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature.
In addition to providing a safe environment for mostly imported birds, the aviary offers a “great learning experience” to hundreds of students and foreign and local tourists who visit daily. “I have seen the white peacock here for the first time and I am loving it,” said intermediate student Shafqat from Multan, over 500 kilometers from Islamabad. The aviary houses various peacocks, cranes, pelicans, ducks, parrots, cockatoos, emus, ostriches, pigeons, and other birds imported from Brazil, Australia, Malaysia, and the Americas. “We have around twenty percent local and eighty percent imported birds in the aviary, and they all are provided with food, water, and shelter,” said Zubair Ahmed, the aviary in-charge. “All birds roam freely here in a protected environment, and visitors can interact with them and even feed them.” With its hundreds of trees, ponds, nests, and incubation areas, the enclosure offers a natural habitat to most birds, while some are kept in cages and cabins designed for close visitor interaction. “The good thing is they [the management] have planted fruit trees here, and birds can pluck them for food,” Shafqat noted. The avian wonders of this sanctuary extend beyond elegance and grace, showcasing the quirky antics of black swans, the flamboyant displays of turkeys, and the vibrant plumage of red and blue macaws. Pheasants flaunt their iridescent feathers, while parrots and cockatoos entertain visitors with their playful chatter.
