Raptor conservation project, South Africa

The raptor breeding and rehabilitation centre is the largest dedicated centre to raptors in the whole of Africa. A raptor is a bird of prey, this includes eagles, falcons, kites, owls, hawks and many others. Join Ben Hoffman as he works to save these magnificent birds and release them back into the wild. Ben is also running an extensive breeding project where volunteers will be able to get the opportunity to assist in research, data capturing and with the actual breeding program. All volunteers will be given their own raptor to look after during their stay at the centre, this will include feeding, hand-rearing and flying your bird. Volunteers will be staying at the Raptor Breeding and Rehabilitation Centre, situated just outside Pietermaritzburg in South Africa.

The centre is home to between 120 and 150 birds at any one time. There are many different species of raptors that volunteers may come into contact with: crowned eagle; yellow-billed kites; peregrine falcons (fastest bird in the world) fish eagles and many different species of owls. The centre lies in the green countryside, in the rolling landscape of KwaZulu-Natal. Volunteers will be responsible for booking their flights to arrive at Durban International Airport, where they will be collected and transferred to the centre. All transfers to and from the airport will be done by Africa Calling or by staff from the project.The volunteers will be accommodated in an apartment, which is close to a lion park which volunteers may visit. The accommodation is basic, but comfortable and due to the fact that the project allows no more than 4 people, you are ensured to have the time of your life. There is so much to do at the raptor project. Apart from feeding the birds and cleaning the enclosures, volunteers will learn all about the ancient techniques of falconry which has been passed on for generations. The volunteers will also be responsible for assisting with the research program. Volunteers will get the opportunity to release the birds they have been looking after and see them in their natural habitat. There may also be the opportunity to help at the lion reserve with hand feeding baby lions (this depends on availability of cubs and the time of the year.) Volunteers will also be able to watch live demonstrations of flying various species of birds and possibly help out at these shows! Volunteers will be expected to look after one bird while they are at the project and this includes flying the bird in the open.