RESCUE AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMME

Eagle Encounters has an active rescue and rehabilitation focus and is on call 24/7 to rescue birds of prey from both urban and rural areas in and around Cape Town. We also receive birds that have been handed in at other animal centres throughout South Africa, as well as birds confiscated by Western Cape Nature Conservation. 

Admission
When a bird or animal is admitted, it is first thoroughly examined to assess its overall condition. Severely injured or poisoned birds are immediately referred to one of our recognised veterinarians, who specialize in treating raptors. Less severe cases are initially quarantined and treated, then housed and trained for release on-site. Abandoned chicks are raised on a calcium-rich diet formula, with the aid of either foster parents or feeding puppets, in preparation for release.
All other wildlife is referred onward to specialists in each field. 

The rehabilitation process
The full rehabilitation process for a raptor can take anything from 1 day to 4 years and incur costs of between R20 and R20 000, depending on the species, rarity and the injury / condition. Expenses per admission can include: rescue, veterinary consultations, X-Rays, surgical procedures, laboratory tests, medication, dressings, treatments, autopsies, housing, furniture (perches, jesses and hoods), specialized diet and the sometimes lengthy falconry training release programme.

Strategically partnering with Spier Wine Farm
Spier Wine Farm is a committed partner when it comes to rehabilitation and release of raptors. The farm's strong eco-drive, including the practice of organic farming methods, provides an excellent environment for the release of the smaller raptor species. Many of the surrounding farms, from which we have obtained permission to hunt and release our birds, also practice organic farming methods.

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