Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

Description

The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre focuses on the conservation of rare, vulnerable and endangered animals, located in Hoedspruit, Limpopo. Visitors can look forward to an in-depth tour of the centre, feeding experiences, and other unique wildlife opportunities.

A great treat is experiencing the feeding sessions of various rare African vultures as they swoop down into the “vulture restaurant” to feed on the remains of carcasses. This area attracts White-backed Vultures, Hooded Vultures, occasionally the Lappet-faced Vulture and Cape Griffon, the Marabou Stork, and Bateleur Eagle. The bones and carcasses come from the bomas, paddocks, and pens around the Centre, and once they have been picked clean, they are taken to a bone miller and the proceeds are put pack into the centre. Nothing goes to waste!

The tour includes open safari vehicles with experienced guides that move between the various enclosures, enabling participants to view cheetah, wild dog, lion, black-footed cat, African wild cat, ground hornbill, sable antelope, and much more. It is highly recommended that bookings are made for the daily tours at the Centre to avoid disappointment.

Aims

• Breeding of endangered species • Release and establishment of captive bred cheetahs into the wild • Treatment and rehabilitation of orphaned or injured animals • Eco tourism • Hands on students programme to encourage conservation