Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre

We help rescue rear rehabilitate & release indigenous wildlife by furthering conservation through educational displays.

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More about Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre

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) and receive no subsidies for 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 permitting of the Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency. This dictates a standard of professionalism, ethics and accountability to the Province we service and the public we are supported by. We are duly permitted as a 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. We are foremost an educational facility and not an entertainment facility, which in itself sets our project apart others in the country. We believe that the well-being 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. Mark Holder owner and founder of the Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre passed away in December 2014. The heirs to his farms are resident in the UK and although they wished for the centre to continue, they are not in a position to facilitate this. As a result, the property on which the Centre is located was put on the open market. To prevent the land from being sold to developers and the centre and its very important work being shut down, the current management team decided to register a Trust, raise funds to buy the property, and place the property into the Trust. Based on the business model of Sanwild, where the land is put in Trust and the animals are the beneficiaries, securing a future for the residents, the Wildlifesos Trust (000101/2015 (M/N)) was registered at the end of February 2015. The Trust will raise funds to purchase the three properties and these will be placed in the Trust with the trustees acting as curators on behalf of the resident animals. The Wildlifesos Trust has also now been registered as a non-profit organisation (169-719 NPO) which makes all donations to the centre tax deductible. The Trust will therefore oversee the management of the Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre into the future, providing a “fundraising vehicle” to ensure that the legacy Mark Holder left behind is kept alive. 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 well-appointed coffee shop is a perfect way to spend a sunny morning or afternoon in Dullstroom. Fishing is also offered on our two dams and this activity is run and managed by Mavungana Flyfishing Centre.

Adian Botha

Animal Handler

Magdali Theron

Captive Manager