African Bird of Prey Sanctuary -
26 Kids Club members were treated to an Outing at the African Bird of Prey Sanctuary in Cato Ridge near Pietermaritzburg. The day’s Programme included a Raptor on air display, where several rapors were “flown” to display bouyancy, speed, flight patterns and hunting technique; Vulture feeding and an inter-active environmental session taught our Kids about the technicalities of Raptor flight, hunting and feeding. Specimens were examined and handled – almost weightless feathers; feathered legs; large sharp talons, were viewed with interest!
One of the highlights of the day was having a Pale Chanting Goshawk searching for morsels of food which had been hidden near their feet. This required absolute stillness while the bird searched near toes and under feet! Two Owls were used to illustrate nocturnal hunting methods and effective camauflage – the Barn Owl and the Spotted Eagle Owl were observed close-up.
Tracking byTelemetry was explained by Ben Hoffman and a falcon was released to fly the skies! It returned safely and landed on Shannon Hoffman’s gloved hand. Falconry is an ancient art and is closely monitored by the official Falconry Association. They adhere strictly to SA Falconry Guidelines.
Each child went home with a pack which illustrated the relationship between the first pre-historic birds and their modern relations!
The Sanctuary has a Rescue Clinic run by Ben Hoffman and a Raptor On Air Display managed by Shannon Hoffman.The Complex has a Curio Shop and Coffee Shop too.
East Coast radio “borrowed” our Kids to form the letters ECR for the Radio Station’s promotion of Young Birders.
Shelley Frederiksen said,
May 15, 2012 at 5:12 am
I was so disappointed when I read this article, i had sent an email requesting that i be informed when the outing for the Bird Park would take place and I never received one. Please please can somebody let me know how I can find out when all the kids club outings are taking place!! Many thanks
Shelley Frederiksen
Stuart Winckworth said,
June 4, 2012 at 6:13 am
I am very disappointed with Kids club. I made my grandson a member and we never get anything from the club. No birthday wishes as promised, the back pack finally arrived after 3 phonecalls without the water bottle, no notification fo what is going on. I too would like more information. Fran Winckworth
rhinoclub said,
June 4, 2012 at 8:37 am
We are devasted to hear of your disappointment with our service, of which we are very proud.
Electronic newsletters and quarterly Activity Booklets are sent to each of our memners. We have checked your details; Birthday presents are quite often returned to us as “unclaimed”, so it may well be the case here. Our records show that the gift was posted to the correct address. We are an inter-active Club and select our Kids for Outings pertinent to their interests.
I am on Leave, so have asked the Kids Club team to investigate for you. We will publish our response as soon as possible.
rhinoclub said,
June 4, 2012 at 8:30 am
Reply alreadsy sent to personal email address.
NOTE: Kids Club is an inter-active Club. Our members send us drawings, stories, return Competion activity sheets, etc so that we can target the specific interests of the member. They are then invited Outings.
Adebisi said,
June 22, 2012 at 7:54 am
Iam a nigerian,i stay in nigeria.iam sending this on behalf of my beautiful daughter,she is 5years+ old.She wants to join any of your kid’s club.She can read and write. Can she join since we are residing in Nigeria.
rhinoclub said,
July 26, 2012 at 1:53 pm
We would be delighted to have your daughter as a member of our Kids Club. Please email us so that we can forward the relevant documentation to you. kidsclub@kznwildlife.com or rhinoclub@kznwildlife.com