Clinic Facilities

An old abattoir building on the African Bird of Prey Sanctuary site is currently being converted into a new dedicated raptor hospital. Work on the building structure continues as funds come in. In the interim, Raptor Rescue cases are treated out of the original buildings and enclosures that are situated 4km away.
The reception area will contain a desk and computer record system and a glass viewing window that looks into the examination and treatment room. This will allow the rescuer to potentially witness the initial examination of the injured bird without distracting the rehabilitator. The examination room will contain an X-ray light box, stainless steel work table, surgical lights, drug cabinet, sink and cupboard unit.

The remainder of the building consists of four high-care rooms designed for the initial intensive care and treatment of the sick and injured birds. Two walk-in rooms are for large eagles or vultures, and the other two rooms are for the treatment of the small to medium sized birds of prey. Each will contain two hospital boxes, a wash-up sink and heating facilities. Each room will be managed as a bio-secure unit to ensure that disease transmission is kept to a minimum. At the rear of the clinic building is the food preparation and storage lockup facility.

Once the raptor has been stabilized and off daily medication, it will be transferred out of this building into adjacent recovery enclosures. These secluded enclosures will be constructed alongside the clinic in two banks of four aviaries each. The next step in the rehabilitation process would be to transfer the birds into one of two flight aviaries to increase their level of fitness and check that they are in fact flying well. A smaller 30m flight aviary will precede a larger 75m structure that is necessary to successfully monitor and assess the larger raptors.