Sacred Ibis birds are the latest arrivals at Kirkleatham Owl Centre

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Ian McIntyre

Sacred Ibis at Kirkleatham Owl Centre

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A flock of seven not-so-pretty youngsters have arrived at Kirkleatham Owl Centre.

The baby Sacred Ibis arrived at the centre last week from a bird garden at Lotherton Hall near Leeds.

The birds, which were revered by ancient Egyptians have been named Thoth, Bes, Shu, Nun, Geb, Hapy and Horus, after Egyptian Gods.

They range in age from ten days to four weeks old. Once they’re old enough, the birds will join the centre’s flying display team.

Craig Wesson, at Kirkleatham Owl Centre said: “The birds are being hand reared. They were just so small when we got them.

“Not many people have seen the birds yet. They have just started meeting visitors over these past couple of days.”

The centre is already home to one very impressive female adult Ibis, Cleo who currently takes pride of place in flying displays during school summer holidays.

Craig said: “Cleo isn’t overly impressed with the arrival of the new birds. We’re not sure if she wants to share the limelight.”

“I think there is a few too many young ones for her liking.”

Sacred Ibis are a large wading bird found across Sub-Saharan Africa and are now a rare bird in Egypt.

Visitors can meet the youngsters and Cleo over the next few weeks along with some of the centre’s other babies. To find out more contact the centre on 01642 480512.