In the Pipeline...

Pre-Release Flight Fitness Tunnel

1Lack of fitness is the highest cause of post-release mortality in the rehabilitation of birds of prey. To this end we wish to construct a dedicated pre-release exercise flight aviary. Due to the costs of such an enclosure, it is an essential element of the raptor rehabilitation process that is often omitted. Any treatment or care of an injured bird is wasted if the raptor dies shortly after it is released because is unable to fly well enough to catch its own prey. A 75m by 5m suitable area has been leveled in anticipation of donated funds. This will be the largest flight tunnel in Africa. Please contact us should you wish to support this unique project in any way.

Onsite Education Centre

2

We would like to incorporate an indoor flying arena and interpretive centre into the existing shed structure located behind the Sanctuary reception and shop area. This 684 square metre structure would be sub-divided to house a mini theatre (seating 200 people) and an education centre, with a classroom and interpretive displays.
Our aim is to create an all-weather facility that would complete a visit to the raptor sanctuary by adding a ‘touch’ element to the learning experience. Here interpretive displays, multimedia resources and provided learning materials would promote an understanding of birds of prey and the habitats that sustain them. This conceptualization of raptor conservation would not solely be aimed at children. To this end a conference room would be included to facilitate adult learning and provide an accessible meeting place for all interested parties.

The supporter 'buy in' to this project would of course include naming rights to the education building (displayed on signage at the entrance to the facility).

Habitat Enclosures

3The habitat enclosures that we wish to create are a frieze of adjacent structures housing a selection of raptor species that are similar, not in classification, but in where they naturally make their home. Habitat loss, or degradation, has been identified as the primary threat to many protected species. The aim of these habitat enclosures is to provide a strong visual connection between the species and the habitats that sustain them.

These ‘living classrooms’ would be visual reminders that no species can stand by itself, but are in fact part of an interacting whole. We are looking for corporate support to fund these powerful ‘education tools’. In return the sponsor will have their name on a living, moving advert of their environmental support, active 365 days a year!

The habitat systems that we wish to depict are in fact also under threat and have high biological importance. Locations for a Wetland Habitat and a Grassland Habitat have been planned at the Sanctuary and in fact most of the feathered residents are already on standby in temporary enclosures!

Stepping Stones...........

With knowledge come appreciation- the first step towards conservation.