A raptor can be easily described as any Bird of Prey; this includes eagles, falcons and owls. Raptors are undoubtedly the masters of the sky, having being perfected over millions of years. Situated on the East coast of South Africa, the centre is the largest dedicated centre in Africa and accommodates between 130 & 150 birds at any one time. Activities at the Raptor centre may include:
Health and hygiene management of raptor enclosures
Production, storage and preparation of raptor diets
Care and feeding at resident breeding birds
Assisting with medical treatments when necessary
Monitoring of raptors through rehabilitation and post release
Assist with administration tasks and data record keeping
Practical incubation and management of bird eggs
Assist with rearing of raptor chicks in breading season
Involvement in outreach education programs
Assist with ongoing research programs
Release of raptors
Accommodation
Volunteers who attend this project will be accommodated in an cottage, located at the project. This apartment has all the luxuries of the modern day home, however there is so much work at this project that volunteers will be in their apartment very little.
Feedback from a volunteer
"What a wonderful time I had during my month of volunteering in November/December 2008. It is usually true that you get back what you put in, and this was certainly true of this project. There were lots of opportunities to get involved with the daily feeding regime for over 100 birds, to learn to handle a variety of owls, hawks and falcons, and to work in reception and the shop. Additionally, the weekly vet runs with Ben to see how injured and sick birds were treated and operated on was a real eye-opener. It was great to see the progress of the baby Wood Owl, Footloose, whose leg was broken when he was used as a football by some youngsters! From the initial pinning of the leg, through subsequent daily feeding and medication, up to the eventual removal of the pins and a successfully mended leg, was a great story. I hear he is now doing really well, learning to be a real owl alongside others of his kind. I wish all the other birds undergoing treatment to have a good outcome. The outing to the shoe warehouse to watch and help Ben catch a large female Black Sparrowhawk that had been trapped in the building for several days also helped to show the full range of activities the Sanctuary gets involved in. I learnt a lot from Shannon whilst listening and helping out with the daily bird shows, and thanks also to Tammy for all her assistance in helping me to understand more about working with birds of prey, and to Sonya for making me so welcome and ensuring my time at the Sanctuary went smoothly. I really miss seeing the birds each day and following their stories. I revisit Namibia and South Africa quite regularly, so hope I shall be able to spend some more time with them all again in the future, and learn more about the breeding programme. Meanwhile, a big thank you to everyone at the sanctuary, and to you for introducing me to Ben and Shannon and for you all giving me this great experience. I have made a collage of my favourite moments at the centre, enjoy!"
-Carol Smith-
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