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Spotted Eagle-Owl

KOGELBERG BIOSPERE WILDLIFE RESCUE CENTRE

The Western Cape's First Permitted Wildlife Centre

set to become the first CapeNature-permitted wildlife rehabilitation facility in the Western Cape. Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and displaced wildlife, the Centre aims to conserve biodiversity and mitigate the loss of species in the region. Situated within the heart of the UNESCO-recognized Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, the Centre will serve as a critical resource for communities and a beacon of hope for indigenous wildlife.

The establishment of the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre addresses an urgent gap in conservation efforts within the Western Cape. As human expansion continues to encroach on natural habitats, the region faces increasing cases of human-wildlife conflict, habitat destruction, and the devastating effects of pollution and natural disasters. With no other permitted wildlife rescue facility in the province, this Centre will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the region's biodiversity. By providing expert care for injured and orphaned wildlife, the Centre will not only mitigate the loss of species but also support the ecological balance of this globally significant Biosphere Reserve.

Wildlife Operating Table
Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue Centre Classroom

Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation

The Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue Centre offers essential services to the Overstrand and greater Western Cape communities, providing a safe haven for injured, orphaned, or trapped wildlife. From animals harmed by human activity, such as vehicle collisions or poisoning, to those affected by natural disasters like wildfires or flooding, the Centre ensures they receive the care they need. With veterinary treatment, secure enclosures, and skilled rehabilitators, our mission is to nurse these animals back to health and return them to the wild, contributing to the restoration of ecosystems and local biodiversity.

Education & Training

A cornerstone of the Centre’s mission is education and conservation training. As the world’s first practical training facility for wildlife rehabilitation, it will offer unique, hands-on programs to equip students with vital skills for wildlife care. These training programs will also provide a sustainable income stream to support the Centre’s operations. By combining education with active conservation, the Centre will promote sustainable living practices and position the Kogelberg Biosphere as a leader in global conservation education.

Baboon House - Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue Centre
Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue Centre Volunteers

Infrastructure and Facility Requirements

To meet CapeNature’s stringent standards, the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue Centre will feature specialized facilities designed for the welfare of wildlife. The infrastructure will include a hospital-grade clinic, quarantine areas, species-specific enclosures, and outdoor spaces for rehabilitating animals. All facilities will prioritize safety, cleanliness, and functionality, ensuring the best outcomes for the wildlife in our care. Additionally, plans for classrooms and temporary student accommodations reflect the Centre’s dual purpose as a rescue facility and a conservation training hub.

Partnership and Community Impact

As a collaborative effort between the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and the Overstrand Municipality, the Centre represents a commitment to protecting the region’s natural heritage. It addresses the growing need for wildlife rehabilitation services amidst increasing human-wildlife conflicts and habitat loss. By offering a dedicated space for wildlife rescue and education, the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre will empower communities, foster sustainable coexistence with nature, and set a precedent for conservation efforts in South Africa and beyond.

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