The main goal of the Falconry Center in Pakruojis Manor is to revive and popularize the old traditions of falconry by including them in education and training performances.
Falconry is the traditional art and practice of training and flying falcons (and sometimes eagles, owls, and other birds of prey) dating back more than 4,000 years. At first, falconry was just hunting with birds of prey. Throughout Europe, hunting in the Middle Ages was a favorite leisure activity and sport of the nobility. Pakruojis manor is no exception, where hunting was also popular in later centuries. Hunting was not only a way of leisure for the nobles, but also a form of political communication and an economic necessity. Falconers usually used falcons, hawks, eagles, owls and other birds to catch prey during hunting.
Over a time, values changed – this method of bird training was integrated into communities as a social and recreational practice, a way of establishing a connection with nature.
Today, the Falconry Center of Pakruojis Manor breeds dozens of different birds of prey from all over the world: golden and sea eagles, falcons, peregrine falcons, coded caracara, white and Ural owls, great egrets, bald vultures and condors. All birds are raised by experienced falconers, you can see them up close and learn more about them.
Birds of prey, their training and flying performances can be seen every day during the flower festival or during the Historical Adventure Park program.
