Suriname Bird Paradise

The park began as the personal passion of Eric Graanoogst, who spent his whole life surrounded by birds, reptiles and the nature of Suriname. After he died in 2019 his daughter Stephany took it on, with the same dedication, the same love for the animals and the same aim: passing on Suriname's rich biodiversity to anyone who wants to see it. That she's succeeding is clear from the moment the tour starts.

The guide, often Stephany herself, knows her animals by name, by character and by story. She knows which macaw likes to step onto your shoulder, which snake you can safely hold, and why that particular tortoise is better off here than in the wild. Visitors describe the tour as thorough, personal and full of information, without it ever feeling like a lesson.

This is one for anyone who wants to properly meet Suriname's wildlife rather than just look at it.

What you'll find here

• Macaws, toucans and birds you've never heard of
  From brightly coloured macaws to species whose names will surprise you, the range of birds at Suriname Bird Paradise is remarkable. The animals live here in care, looked after with knowledge and attention. Some will come close. Some will walk straight up to you.
• Snakes you'll come to see differently
  Holding a snake feels like a challenge to most people. After the guide's explanation it feels more like a privilege. Suriname Bird Paradise actively makes it possible to get to know reptiles that rarely come this close in the wild.
• Monkeys and other Surinamese wildlife
  Alongside the birds and reptiles there are small mammals in need of protection and recovery. Every resident has a reason for being here, and that reason makes the visit more personal than any zoo.
• Education that lands
  Schools visit the park weekly for practical lessons. But there's also a tailored tour for families and adults: about biodiversity, animal welfare and what it means to live alongside nature rather than against it.