Attractions industry veteran Ian Cunningham has taken over the Birdland Park and Gardens in Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds, UK, with his business partner Michael Enright.

Birdland features more than 500 birds, ranging from the UK's only colony of king penguins and parrots to cassowaries and cranes in a mix of free-flying and aviary displays.

The property is the first acquired by Livingstone Leisure, which was set up by Cunningham and Enright to acquire day visitor attractions and create new build opportunities.

Cunningham began his career at Sea Life Centre and held the post of operations director at both the Eden Project and Vardon Attractions - the company that later became Merlin Entertainments.

He founded Blue Reef Leisure in 2000 to purchase and redevelop under-achieving visitor attractions. Blue Reef, which grew to operate four aquariums in the UK, was acquired by Spanish visitor attraction group Aspro in 2008.

Cunningham then became the UK managing director of Aspro before setting up Livingstone Leisure.

He said: "Michael and I decided to set up Livingstone Leisure after identifying opportunities in the visitor attraction sector.

"Birdland is the first in what we plan will be a series of new acquisitions over the coming years. We are currently in negotiations with a number of other leisure-based businesses."

The company also provides management contracts to existing owners and consultancy services to the visitor attraction industry.

Details: www.birdland.co.uk