Eagle Encounters

Highlights

• A fascinating wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, education and eco-tourism centre
• Based at historic Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch
• Enjoy personal encounters & spectacular interactive flying shows

Description

Spend an afternoon in the Cape winelands exploring enclosures of local and exotic birds. See owls, various species of eagles, hawks, kites, vultures and secretary birds. Knowledgeable, friendly guides share the details of these fascinating animals, most of which have been rescued and then rehabilitated by the Eagle Encounters team. Enjoy the entertaining falcon displays and the bird shows, which feature clever animals that fly straight into the hands of brave guests. Get up-close and personal with other animals as well, including snakes, lizards, tortoises, rabbits and even venture into the owl cage to stroke and interact with the majestic nocturnal predators

History

Eagle Encounters is a wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, education and eco-tourism centre based at the historic Spier Wine Farm. The centre was founded in 2001 by Hank and Tracy Chalmers. Hank Chalmers was introduced to his first falcon, around the age of 5, by his father who was one of the first falconers in South Africa. Many years later, he and Tracy decided to get fully involved with rescue, rehabilitation and conservation programmes to preserve South Africa’s raptors. This was the beginning of the much-loved Eagle Encounters centre, which is enjoyed by both locals and tourists from around the world. But these birds are not confined to the centre. The couple’s home is filled with animals of all sorts, and raptors are welcomed day and night.