Land invasions lead to relocation of African Raptor Centre
After two decades at its current Camperdown site, the tourist attraction and popular spot for schoolchildren and families has been forced to move to a safer location.
THE construction of a new facility within the safety and security of Tala Collection Game Reserve is underway for the relocation of the African Raptor Centre.
Relentless land invasions in the Lion Park area, in the latter half of 2023, led to the urgent relocation of the raptor centre.
Ben Hoffman, raptor specialist and director of the African Raptor Centre, said that over the past few weeks, theft and petty crime have escalated.
“Two 10 000-litre water tanks, including the pumps and fittings, have been stolen. Fortunately, the birds are safe, and there is a backup water supply.
The construction of a new facility has been hampered by December rains. The new site has been partially levelled, and volunteers have waged war on the lantana and other invasive plants in the immediate area. Significant headway has been made over the past couple of weeks, and the new enclosures are progressing daily.
“Moving a facility of this size is a massive undertaking requiring time, money and tremendous effort. We would like to thank volunteers and donors for supporting our urgent appeal for assistance at the end of December,” said Hoffman.
“The support from the local community, farmers, schools and members of the public has been phenomenal, but we have a long way to go.”
The new centre will require water and electricity infrastructure and will have to have backup solar power to ensure that the incubators and brooders can be maintained at optimum temperatures. Freezers are also essential to keep food frozen.
The African Raptor Centre is dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey. Education is at the very core of the organisation.
Over the last 20 years, countless schoolchildren, families and international tourists have been enthralled by the free-flying show birds at the African Bird of Prey Sanctuary. The non-releasable birds act as ambassadors for their species, and their stories have touched the hearts of many visitors. The centre is also actively involved in local and international research programmes.
Hoffman said that relocating the sanctuary requires substantial financial and practical assistance.
“Funding will provide new species-specific flight enclosures suitable for the long-term housing of non-releasable, often critically endangered raptors, as well as an onsite clinic and incubation facility.”
Help is urgently requested. Should you wish to donate time, skills and effort, please contact volunteer co-ordinator, Jacqui Gray, via WhatsApp on 082 857 3121, to join the volunteer team at Tala. If you are able to donate building materials or supplies, please email office@africanraptor.co.za for their wish list.
After two decades at its current Camperdown site, the tourist attraction and a popular spot for schoolchildren and families has been forced to move to a safer location.
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