RAPTOR PARK
Alion Institute Visit Report Of Buchs SG Birds of Prey Park
Switzerland, Buchs; 17th of August 2022
Executive Summary:
The Alion Institute conducted a comprehensive assessment of the Buchs SG Birds of Prey Park in Switzerland. This report presents key findings from our field visit and evaluation of the facility's operations, animal welfare standards, and educational programs.
Executive Summary
The Alion Institute conducted a comprehensive assessment of the Buchs SG Birds of Prey Park in Switzerland. This report presents key findings from our field visit and evaluation of the facility's operations, animal welfare standards, and educational programs.
Facility Overview
Location: Buchs, St. Gallen, Switzerland
Size: 10,000+ square meters
Status: The Largest bird of prey park in Switzerland
Species Count: 190+ day and night birds of prey
Arena Capacity: 120 spectators
Official Status: Licensed zoo facility
The Alion Institute conducted a comprehensive assessment of the Buchs SG Birds of Prey Park in Switzerland. This report presents key findings from our field visit and evaluation of the facility's operations, animal welfare standards, and educational programs.
Facility Overview
Location: Buchs, St. Gallen, Switzerland
Size: 10,000+ square meters
Status: The Largest bird of prey park in Switzerland
Species Count: 190+ day and night birds of prey
Arena Capacity: 120 spectators
Official Status: Licensed zoo facility
Key Findings
Animal Welfare Standards:
- All enclosures undergo pre-season veterinary inspection by the St. Gallen canton office
- Species-specific dietary programs were implemented for each animal
- Facility director Lucien Nigg maintains rigorous oversight protocols
- Annual breeding success indicates optimal welfare conditions
Behavioral Observations:
- Raptor Activity Levels: 80-90% inactive time (consistent with wild behavior)
- Flight Motivation: Primarily hunger-driven in natural conditions
- Instinct Retention: Captive birds maintain wild hunting behaviors
- Memory Capacity: Exceptional retention and environmental sensitivity documented
- All enclosures undergo pre-season veterinary inspection by the St. Gallen canton office
- Species-specific dietary programs were implemented for each animal
- Facility director Lucien Nigg maintains rigorous oversight protocols
- Annual breeding success indicates optimal welfare conditions
Behavioral Observations:
- Raptor Activity Levels: 80-90% inactive time (consistent with wild behavior)
- Flight Motivation: Primarily hunger-driven in natural conditions
- Instinct Retention: Captive birds maintain wild hunting behaviors
- Memory Capacity: Exceptional retention and environmental sensitivity documented
Alion Institute Recommendations
a) Research Opportunities: Facility suitable for behavioral studies on captive raptor psychology
b) Conservation Value: Breeding programs contribute significantly to species preservation
c) Educational Excellence: Model facility for public wildlife education
d) Welfare Standards: Exemplary animal care protocols observed
e) Veterinary Oversight: Annual pre-season inspections are mandatory
f) Licensing: Full zoo status maintained
g) Welfare Standards: Swiss federal requirements exceeded
h) Breeding Programs: Regulated under species protection protocols
b) Conservation Value: Breeding programs contribute significantly to species preservation
c) Educational Excellence: Model facility for public wildlife education
d) Welfare Standards: Exemplary animal care protocols observed
e) Veterinary Oversight: Annual pre-season inspections are mandatory
f) Licensing: Full zoo status maintained
g) Welfare Standards: Swiss federal requirements exceeded
h) Breeding Programs: Regulated under species protection protocols
Conclusion
The Alion Institute's assessment confirms that Buchs SG Birds of Prey Park operates at exceptional standards.
The facility successfully balances conservation, education, and research objectives while maintaining superior animal welfare conditions.
The park's breeding achievements and educational programs make it a valuable model for similar institutions worldwide.
Assessment Date: July 2025
Evaluating Institution: Alion Institute
Report Status: Approved for publication
The facility successfully balances conservation, education, and research objectives while maintaining superior animal welfare conditions.
The park's breeding achievements and educational programs make it a valuable model for similar institutions worldwide.
Assessment Date: July 2025
Evaluating Institution: Alion Institute
Report Status: Approved for publication
Each animal is regarded as a unique creation deserving of specialized care
- Successful reproduction requires optimal conditions across multiple variables, including nutrition, enclosure design, environmental factors, and species-specific breeding requirements.
- Breeding success in captivity indicates that animals experience minimal stress and have access to appropriate resources for reproduction.
- Captive raptors retain their wild instincts and hunting behaviors despite human care. Their remarkable memory and sensitivity to environmental changes remain intact, challenging assumptions about domestication effects.
