SCHOOL GROUP EDU-FUN

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

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
  • Basic conservation regulations regarding raptors 
We have discovered that children retain considerably more information from a learning experience when it  involves all of their senses.  To facilitate this learning and cater to your specific requirements, we have two interactive and exciting package options. 
Package 1: On-site Encounters

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.

Start time: 09:30
Duration:  75 min (including teatime)

Cost: 
South African school children up to 12 years = R30 pp
South African school children 13-18 years = R35 pp
International school groups = R45 pp
Adults accompanying school groups = R45 pp

Please note:  
1. A minimum of 25 people is required in order to qualify for a 09:30 separate school show.  School groups smaller than 25 people will either be joined with another small group or slotted into the 11:00 existing daily show.
2. Spier's regulations stipulate that no private picnics are permitted on the Estate, however they have granted our education programme a special concession. School 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 and all belongings removed thereafter, as the Eagle Encounters eco-tourism programme commences at 11:00 for our day visitors. 
Package 2: Travelling Encounters

We will visit your school with 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 one of our birds.

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

Start time: From 10:00 
Duration: Approximately 1 hour

Cost: 
Pre- and primary schools = R30 pp, minimum cost of R1,000
High schools = R35 pp, minimum cost of R1,000

Note: Fuel is charged at R5 / km after 60 km from Spier
Kindly note that the above-mentioned school packages are only valid for school / sports groups up to the age of 18 years old.  Booking is essential.  Should our education time slots not fit into your itinerary, please check out our existing daily show times, personal encounters and rates.
 
For more information please contact Tracy Chalmers at our office on +27 (0)21 858-1826 or email us to arrange a booking.