Animal Interaction Policy

The safety of our visitors, staff, and animals is our highest priority. This Animal Interaction Policy applies to all guests participating in animal encounters, bird of prey demonstrations, petting zoo interactions, and other wildlife experiences operated by Wild Atlantic Wildlife Park trading as “Fiain Experiences”. By entering the park or participating in an experience, visitors agree to comply with this policy.

Animals, including trained birds of prey and domesticated farm animals, can behave unpredictably. Visitors acknowledge that interaction with animals carries inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Scratches
• Bites
• Pecking
• Minor injuries
• Allergic reactions
• Slips or falls in outdoor environments

Participation in animal interactions is voluntary, and visitors accept these inherent risks.

For the safety of visitors and animals, guests must follow all staff instructions at all times. Visitors must:

• Only interact with animals when invited by a staff member
• Not chase, grab, or frighten animals
• Not feed animals unless instructed by staff
• Use appropriate hand-washing facilities after touching animals
• Keep voices calm and movements controlled around animals
• Stay within designated areas

Staff may stop or refuse participation if safety rules are not followed.

Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Additional rules:

• Children may only interact with animals when accompanied by an adult.
• Some experiences may have minimum age requirements.
• Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring children behave safely around animals.

Visitors should not participate in animal interactions if they:

• Have open wounds on their hands
• Are feeling unwell with infectious illness
• Have severe animal allergies

Hand washing or sanitising is required after animal contact.

Bird of prey demonstrations and encounters involve trained raptors. During these activities visitors must:

• Wear protective gloves if provided
• Follow handler instructions at all times
• Remain still when birds are flying nearby
• Not attempt to touch birds unless invited to do so

Failure to follow these instructions may result in removal from the activity.

Visitors participating in animal experiences must wear:

• Closed-toe footwear
• Suitable outdoor clothing
• Clothing that covers shoulders where required for bird handling

Loose items that may startle animals may need to be removed.

Animal welfare is central to our operations. Fiain Experiences reserves the right to:

• Stop an interaction at any time
• Substitute animals in demonstrations
• Cancel an experience if an animal shows signs of stress or fatigue

No refund will normally be provided where changes occur for animal welfare reasons, though rescheduling may be offered.

By participating in an animal interaction or entering areas where animals are present, visitors acknowledge that:

• Animals are living creatures that may react unpredictably
• Outdoor environments may contain uneven ground or natural hazards
• Participation involves inherent risks

Visitors agree to follow all safety instructions provided by staff.

Nothing in this policy excludes or limits liability where it cannot legally be excluded under Irish law. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Wild Atlantic Wildlife Park t/a Fiain Experiences shall not be responsible for injuries, loss, or damage arising from:

• Failure to follow staff instructions
• Unsafe behaviour around animals
• Ignoring posted safety signage
• Participation in activities against staff advice

Fiain Experiences reserves the right to refuse participation or remove visitors from an activity if:

• Safety instructions are ignored
• Behaviour may endanger animals or visitors
• A visitor appears intoxicated or unsafe

No refund will be issued in these circumstances.

By purchasing a ticket, booking an experience, or entering the park, visitors confirm that they:

• Have read and understood this Animal Interaction Policy
• Agree to follow staff instructions
• Accept the inherent risks associated with animal encounters

For visitors under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must accept this policy on their behalf.