Raptor rehabilitation got a boost when the Mayibuye Community of Umlaas Road, near Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu- Natal gave 60ha of land to Ben and Shannon Hoffman on a 99-year lease. husband-and-wife team will operate the African Bird of Prey Sanctuary on this land.
The Mayibuye Community Trust, headed by chairperson Bheki Ndlovu, shares a percentage of all gate takings stemming from tourist visits to the sanctuary. They hope to formalise the remainder of its nearby land into a 6 000ha game reserve soon. “The African Bird of Prey Sanctuary currently houses over 140 birds of prey from 47 different species. It is a working facility dedicated to the conservation of indigenous raptors through ongoing research, breeding, and rehabilitation projects,” explained Ben. ”majority of these projects are run behind the scenes to ensure that the integrity of these processes is not compromised and that a high release success rate is achieved for rehabilitated birds.” he public can view some of the in micro-environment enclosures. can also see them flying freely during daily, interactive demonstrations showcasing their natural flying styles and survival adaptations. “The specially trained flying raptors become both teachers and ambassadors for their wild counterparts,” Ben explained. – Lloyd Phillips
Anyone encountering injured or ill raptors are urged to contact Ben Hoffman and the Raptor Rescue Hotline on 082 359 0900 or e-mail [email protected]. For more information, contact Shannon Hoffman and the African Bird of Prey Sanctuary on (031) 785 2981, 082 925 3023, or e-mail [email protected] or see their website, www.africanraptor.co.za.
