Radical Raptors

Raptor centres serve a community role that extends beyond tourism revenue. They house injured and orphaned birds of prey—eagles, owls, buzzards—that cannot survive in the wild, often providing rehabilitation and permanent sanctuaries. In George and the surrounding Garden Route region, these facilities contribute to local conservation networks, occasionally working with veterinarians and wildlife organisations on rescue operations. School groups visit to understand predator ecology and the pressures facing raptors. The birds themselves—through their presence and the stories staff share—remind visitors why intact ecosystems matter. For residents, a functioning raptor facility represents commitment to regional wildlife welfare, not merely attraction revenue.