A bird of prey centre has made the “incredibly hard” decision to temporarily shut after an avian flu case was confirmed in Kent.

Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation in Eynsford is closed to the public from today (November 4), and no bird shows, flying experiences, or animal areas will be open.

It comes after a bird flu outbreak was confirmed at Happy Pants Ranch in Newington near Sittingbourne last week.

Eagle Heights director Samantha Leonard says the closure is a “preventative move” and that all birds at the site are currently healthy.

She explained: “Following advice from our vet, and with avian flu cases now confirmed in the wider area, we’ve had to make the incredibly hard decision to temporarily close Eagle Heights to all visitors.

“This is a preventative move, but if even one bird were to contract the virus, government policy could require every bird on site to be euthanised.

“We just couldn’t take that risk, just the thought of it is heartbreaking.

“There's the relief that we're doing the right thing, we're keeping the birds safe, but obviously, there's that fear because we're going to lose so much income.

“But we sat and we've gone over and over it, we've consulted with our vet, and it is the right thing to do. If there's a risk anywhere, we need to just eliminate that risk.

“All the birds are fine, and I think the main driving thing was that we want to just keep it that way.”

Only essential staff will be on-site to care for the animals, and the situation will be reviewed every four weeks in line with veterinary and APHA guidance.

Sam added: “As a non-profit, losing visitor income is going to hit us very hard.

“Our birds are family. Closing our doors is heartbreaking, but protecting them has to come first.

“[The case at Happy Pants] has pushed us to do this because, although it might take us a while to get there by car, as the crow flies, it's not that far.

“We are doing this now to ensure there is still a future for Eagle Heights when this risk is lowered.

“It's an awful virus because it lives for so long in the soil. It can live on your clothing for quite a while as well.

“The pattern of previous years and other places is that once you get one case, a couple more do normally start to pop up.

“What we don't want to do is leave it too late, because you cannot go back.

“Although this is financially really bad for us, it is not as bad as if we lost all our birds, because then what? We wouldn’t be able to be Eagle Heights anymore.”

Eagle Heights is one of the UK’s largest bird of prey centres, with more than 50 species.

It also has meerkats, alpacas, huskies, and pigs at the site, many of which have been rescued from unwanted homes and difficult situations.

Its mission is to educate people and inspire them to get involved with nature and enjoy the outdoors, while providing an “enjoyable day out.”

To support the charity during its temporary closure, you can purchase gift vouchers or future experience bookings, adopt or sponsor one of the animals, or donate to support food, heating, and care costs. More information can be found here.

Last week, Amey James, who runs the Happy Pants Ranch, told KentOnline how she was “heartbroken” after the site tested positive for bird flu, also known as avian influenza.

Some strains of the disease can spread to humans through close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.

On Wednesday, more than 60 birds were culled, which included ducks, geese, hens, cockerels, seagulls, rhea, pigeons and pheasants and a well-known emu called BB.