ABOUT US
We are foremost an educational facility and not an entertainment facility, which in itself sets our project apart from others in the country. We believe that the wellbeing of our animals is always our number one priority, not the fiscal aspect of the activities on offer for public entertainment.
We are a small dedicated team of like-minded individuals (more like family than colleagues), from different backgrounds and age groups, bringing together training in Nature Conservation, Captive Animal Management, Wildlife Rehabilitation, and Falconry.
EDUCATION
As a permitted Wildlife Education Centre, our main drive is to educate the public as to the plight of raptors and this we achieve largely with our flight demonstrations, handling days, and photographic days at the centre.
Here at the centre, when we fly birds, it is done for fitness and rehabilitation purposes. This is necessary work to get birds ready for release back into the wild. Some birds cannot be released but still need to be flown to keep in shape and optimal health. The flight displays are therefore not viewed as “entertainment” but rather as necessary for the welfare of the birds. At the same time it is a great opportunity to educate the public as to the plight of raptors.
Indigenous wildlife that comes through the rehabilitation centre, but are deemed non-releasable, we are able to give a home to where they can act as ambassadors for their species. As we take in all species of wildlife, our walk through enclosures are not only of raptors, but of selected other species as well.
REHABILITATION
Development is consuming thousands of hectares, covering the indigenous bush with roads, housing estates and factories. Orphaned, abandoned, injured and displaced indigenous birds, mammals and reptiles are in need of assistance. The majority of these animals end up either at veterinary facilities or zoos. Wildlife rehabilitation centres fall between these two areas and cater specifically for injured or orphaned indigenous wildlife species.
Annually, hundreds of raptors are injured or killed by vehicles, fences, traps, power lines, poisons or are illegally removed from nesting sites. We rehabilitate scores of survivors annually in an attempt to give them a second chance. The rehabilitation process for a wild animal is a very intensive period which incorporates various factors, including veterinary treatment, correct dietary provisions, adequate enclosures and as little human interaction as possible. Releases take place in carefully chosen areas including reserves and conservancies, but wherever possible, animals are returned to their original location.
Wildlife Rehabilitation is very necessary, and has a very important role to play in conservation. There is a dire shortage of professionally run rehabilitation centres for wildlife in South Africa. There are a number of animals that are endangered and whose gene pool is very limited, so every individual saved is beneficial to the species as a whole.
WHY WAIT FOR A SPECIES TO BE ENDANGERED BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THE SITUATION.
Wildlife Rehabilitation is NOT about interfering with nature. In fact, it is taking responsibility for the wildlife casualties caused by human activities! Sadly, the vast majority of cases admitted are the direct result of conflict or interference by man. Rehabilitated animals are given a “second chance” to be released back into the wild to be free.
We never want to imprint babies (or tame any animal) that crosses our doorstep, as successful release depends on maintaining the animals’ inherent instinct and wildness and VERY IMPORTANTLY, retaining their natural fear of man. That is why human contact is kept to the absolute minimum and for this reason the Rehabilitation Centre is not open to the general public.
Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre was established in 2005 in White River. This facility has had a great success rate, but the drawback has been that the land on which the operations were run in the past, were in the hands of unscrupulous business people who did not see the need for conservation and education but rather the exploitation of the animals for personal profit. Second Chance is now incorporated into the Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre which is managed and owned by the Wildlifesos Trust.
CAPTIVE BREEDING
We have a successful controlled captive breeding program with many raptor species found here in South Africa. Offspring born to our captive residents are reintroduced back into the wild whenever possible. We also have resident birds that act as surrogate parents for orphans that come to the hospital.
RELEASE PROGRAMME
Over the years we have been quite successful in our rehabilitation programme and to get an animal back into the wild is our ultimate goal. This is not always as easy as it sounds and takes a great deal of time and patience. Release sites have to be carefully chosen and post release monitoring is an area that we still are trying to develop.
ESTABLISHED
The Dullstroom Bird Of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre was established in 1997 and has been located at its present site since November 2004. The Centre’s original aim was as an educational centre, teaching members of the public about raptors and promoting an awareness of the raptor species and their plight as a growing endangered species. The need for care of injured and orphaned birds of prey prescribed the evolving of the rehabilitation centre as well.
The time has now come where the province is in desperate need of facilities that cater for all species; hence the vision has expanded the education and rehabilitation facility to encompass all species of wildlife.
The Dullstroom Bird of Prey Centre is managed by the Wildlifesos Trust (IT000101/2015(M/N)) and incorporates Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. We are a non-profit organisation (169-719 NPO) (930053148 PBO) and receive no subsidies from the government. We rely solely on the generosity of the public and corporate communities to ensure we achieve our goals and remain sustainable.
The entities work independently from, but under the close guidance, supervision and permission of the Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency. This dictates a standard of professionalism, ethics and accountability to the Province we service and the public who support us. Having permits for wildlife educational centre (MP/EDU/90001) and a wildlife rehabilitation centre (MPB/R/0019).
OUR MISSION
To rescue, raise, rehabilitate and release indigenous wildlife back into a natural habitat, whilst maintaining the highest ethical standards, and furthering conservation by playing a role in education of wildlife professionals, volunteers, learners and members of the public.
OUR VISION
To be a world-class, flagship, self-sustaining wildlife hospital, rehabilitation centre, and education facility caring for indigenous animals and making a difference in the conservation of our beautiful heritage through education.
VISIT US
Flight Displays
Please note there is no shelter at the demonstration area. Remember to bring along hats and sunscreen.
Come and get a close up view of how raptors fly and hunt. You will be amazed at how agile and graceful these birds are in flight and the accompanying educational talk is very enlightening.
Flight Display Times 10.30am and 2.30pm (weather permitting – to avoid disappointment please phone to check)
These demonstrations showcase a selection of birds and, depending on guest involvement, last about an hour.
Price: Included in your entrance fee but we do have photographic opportunities with donations welcome to raise funds for specific projects from time to time.
Handling Days
Spend the morning working alongside the falconer and our birds in a more personal manner.
Your handling experience starts at around 09h00 with an introduction to the work we do here after which you join the falconer in their morning chores of weighing the birds and checking their health. You will then assist the falconer in flying a bird or two after the morning flight demonstration.
To ensure a quality experience, handling days are restricted to a maximum of two people (minimum age 15yrs) and need to be booked in advance with the falconer on falconer@wildlifesos.co.za.
Price: R400.00 pp
NEW: Kiddies Handling Experience (7-14Yrs – maximum of four to a group)
After the morning flying demonstration, younger folk can get the opportunity to meet a couple of our feathered friends. This experience needs to be booked and paid for in advance by emailing us on falconer@wildlifesos.co.za.
Price: R200.00 per child
Photographic Days
Come and spend a morning with us, and we will devote our time for your perfect shot.
We fly a variety of birds and also do portrait shots/natural poses of others. Group size limited to ten photographers. Morning starts at 7:00am with a short break at around 10:00am. Further photographic opportunities are offered during the morning demonstration at 10:30am.
Photographic days need to be booked in advance with the falconer on falconer@wildlifesos.co.za as they need to prepare birds in advance for these activities.
Prices:
Non-photographers accompanying R70.00pp (Strictly no photography allowed)
School Groups
We are a popular stop for school tours. Schools need to be seated at the demonstration area by 10h30. Our bird of prey talks are specifically targeted at school children from primary and secondary schools. They are informative yet fun, ensuring your pupils attention and imagination are captured. We are able to cover a wide range of topics that include conservation, habitat, diet, adaptations and biology and give you the opportunity to be up close and personal with these magnificent birds.
Price: R50 per student
Teachers and guides are at no charge.
Advanced booking is essential so contact us early to reserve a date at info@wildlifesos.co.za
Fishing
All methods of fishing allowed but STRICTLY CATCH AND KEEP.
Our main drive is to educate the public about raptors through flight demonstrations, handling days, photographic days, and educational displays at schools and other venues.
However, we also like to have fun. Our twice-daily flight displays, during which visitors receive dazzling, up-close encounters with South Africa’s most magnificent birds, will bring a smile to the lips of even the most serious animal enthusiast. A stroll through our enclosures, marked with lovely stories about the history of each animal, well-manicured gardens, kiddies playground, farmyard and is a perfect way to spend a sunny morning or afternoon in Dullstroom. Fishing is also offered on our two dams, run and managed in partnership with Mavungana Flyfishing Centre.
RATES 2023
Friday : 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday : 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday : 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Monday : 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
