Sunkar Raptor Center
The Sunkar Raptor Center is a place where you can experience the beauty of birds of prey without the confinement of cages. If traditional zoos are not your preference and you long to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural element, then Sunkar is the perfect destination for you.
Founded in 1989 with the purpose of preserving the endangered saker falcon, the Sunkar Raptor Center has expanded its mission to protect various other rare birds of prey. Here, peregrine falcons, eagle owls, golden eagles, gyrfalcons, black vultures, buzzards, and more reside and thrive. The center prioritizes the release of adult birds that have the capability to survive in the wild, closely monitoring them as they adapt back to their natural habitat. Over the years, the nursery has successfully released nearly 1000 individuals into the wild.
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Falconry show
The highlight of the center is its renowned falconry show. Witness birds of different species demonstrating their unique hunting techniques under the guidance of experienced ornithologists. As you watch, you will also learn about the process of taming.
The show includes the «dance» of the black vulture, the white-tailed eagle catching a fish, the flight of the saker falcon at a speed of 320 km/h, the golden eagle grabbing a wolf, and the bearded vulture eating bones.
Beyond the birds, the center is also home to wolves and Tazy dogs, the national breed of Kazakhstan, also known as the Kazakh Greyhound. Tazy dogs have been faithful companions to nomads for centuries and are considered one of the nation's seven main treasures.
Other entertainment
For visitors seeking additional activities, the center offers a range of entertainment options. You can relax and unwind at the center's hotel, restaurant, sauna, and swimming pool. The restaurant serves national dishes, along with saumal and kumis – traditional drinks made from the milk of local pasture-grazing horses. The meat is sourced fresh daily from a nearby mountain farm.
The picturesque surroundings of the Ile Alatau Mountains beckon you to explore on horseback, providing breathtaking sights of waterfalls, gorges, green pastures, and Tien Shan spruce-covered mountain slopes. If you're seeking a romantic escapade or a photo session, you can arrange that with horses as your companions.
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At Sunkar Raptor Center, you'll not only witness the grace and power of birds of prey but also immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Kazakh landscape, indulge in delicious cuisine, and partake in an array of entertaining activities.
How to get there?
Address: Almaty, 7 Alma-Arasan St.
To reach the Sunkar Raptor Center, head south on Dulati Avenue towards the Alma-Arasan Gorge. Take a right before the ecopost. If you don't have a car, buses #28 and #108 will get you there quickly. Get off at the «2nd hydroelectric power station (ecopost)» bus stop.
Other tourist attractions near the Sunkar Raptor Center:
- Star Meadow
- Girl's Tears Waterfall
- Ayusai Waterfalls
- First President's Park
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