www.eagle-encounters.co.za

Schools Programme

Learning institutions have become more actively involved in environmental education. As arguably the largest Raptor Rehabilitation and Education Centre in South Africa, we also believe that an awareness and appreciation for the environment should be nurtured from young. The casual and personal manner in which we approach our education program encourages children to ask questions about, and interact directly with, a variety of raptors at their own pace.

During the course of our hands-on demonstration, the following topics will be briefly discussed:

Species identification
Comparison between appearance adaptations and natural habitat
Breeding habits
Rehabilitation & release
Falconry, falconry techniques and their benefits in rehabilitation
What to do with an injured or abandoned raptor
Design for function
Food preference and hunting techniques
Behavioural patterns
Habitat destruction, poisons and persecution vs Organic farming methods & co-existence
Conservation regulations regarding raptors (basic)

We have discovered that children retain considerably more information from a learning experience when it has involved all of their senses, as opposed to expecting them to sit through slides, videos or a droning talk.

In an endeavour to cater to your specific requirements, we have tailor-made 2 interactive and exciting package options.

Package 1:

We will visit your school with a variety of no less than 5 different raptor species, including Mick (our Black Eagle who is known for both his appearance on the TV documentary series ‘50/50', as well as his Insig magazine cover-story photo shoot with Mark Shuttleworth). During the course of the talk, the smaller birds will be flown around the room and to various scholars. Those who have paid attention and correctly answer 5 easy questions win the unique opportunity to hold Mick.

This option is an advantage for very large school groups, or schools that may find it difficult to transport scholars to Eagle Encounters.

Time: 09:30 / 10:00 (approximately 1 hour)

Cost: R10-00 per scholar; minimum charge of R1000-00 per display / school visit for schools within 100km radius of Spier.

Package 2:

Scholars are brought to the Centre, where our experienced handlers take them on a brief tour, focusing on some of the more prominent species. Thereafter, scholars are directed into the flying area where handlers co-ordinate a dazzling performance with raptors, including kestrels, kites, owls and buzzards flying around and to them.

Spier's regulations stipulate that no private picnics are permitted on the Estate, however they have granted our education program a special concession. Please note that lunches may be brought and consumed only within the Eagle Encounters premises. No food may be carried around the estate. Lunches to kindly be consumed directly after the educational, as the Eagle Encounters eco-tourism program commences at 11:00 for the day visitors. All belongings to please be removed prior to this time.

Take advantage of our playground equipment on-site, especially for the benefit of our younger visitors to vent excess energy.

Time: 09:30 to approximately 10:55 (including teatime)

Cost: R15-00 per person (including parents and siblings); no minimum charge applicable.

Kindly note that the abovementioned schools packages are only for SA school children aged between 3 & 12.

International school groups and school sports touring groups (students up to 18 years of age only) can be accommodated during the 09:30 time slot at a discounted rate of R30 per person. This includes entrance & interactive demonstration only. Booking essential. If this time slot does not fit into the itinerary, please see page 1 of this document for existing daily show times, personal encounters and rates.