Tayto Park reopens on March 26th, but its animal inhabitants are feeling the love in a big way before Valentine’s Day. With over 60 animal species in total at the Co. Meath attraction, there are four particular species that have become lifelong partners.
According to Lee Donohoe, Animal Manager, love is in the air this month as peak mating season is approaching: “People are always surprised by how many of our animals are actually monogamous and many mate for life.” he told HerFamily.ie.
Here are three cute couples to look out for when you visit…Â
The red-crowned Japanese crane is a ‘one-woman bird’ and due to their monogamous nature, they are seen as East Asia’s symbol of love, happiness, and fidelity. Japanese cranes mate for life and during breeding season, they display a courtship ritual dance, which involves bowing, head bobbing and leaping as forms of communication. Steady on, love.
Corsac Foxes are an interesting animal group in Tayto Park, where multiple males will court a female before the female chooses one for a monogamous relationship. Kind of like Tinder, but for foxes. Once offspring are produced, ‘helper’ foxes will assist the parental pair until the kits are mature.
The Bald Eagles of Tayto Park have a life span of approximately 25 years, where on average they will raise one eaglet per year. Bald Eagles come into their sexual maturity at five years of age and generally return to the same nest year after year, with their offspring also returning near to where they were born, which is known as ‘site-fidelity’.
Black Swans are a rare breed and a protected species in Australia. Black Swans pair up for life and can reach a top speed of 60 mph which is, for many cars, the cruising speed!
Tayto Park opens for 2015 on Thursday, March 26th 2015 and will be open seven days from 10am – 6pm. For opening hours and ticket prices, click here.Â
