Meet our resident ambassadors
Jackal Buzzards
Jackal Buzzards are iconic raptors of the Garden Route and are endemic to South Africa. They are powerful hunters that play an important role in healthy ecosystems, feeding on small mammals, reptiles, and birds. Sadly, they face growing risks from human infrastructure, particularly collisions with overhead power lines and wind turbines, which are an increasing cause of injury and mortality.
To better understand and protect local populations, we fit Jackal Buzzards with colour rings, allowing us to identify individuals and monitor their movements within the region. Protecting flight paths and supporting raptor-safe infrastructure is essential to ensuring the future of these remarkable birds.
Sponsor a bird today!
Help care for our resident birds with an annual sponsorship.Your support covers their feeding, and in return, you get unlimited visits, our newsletter, and recognition online as well as on our sponsor boards at the centre.
OUR RESIDENT JACKAL BUZZARDS
VALKYRIE
Valkyrie is our oldest resident, estimated to be around 25 years old. For many years she flew alongside Mark in our flying demonstrations, but was retired last year after beginning to lose power and height during flights.
Valkyrie is fiercely territorial and very much the matriarch of the centre. She loves to “talk” and is an enthusiastic nest builder. She was donated to us by Radical Raptors and is proudly sponsored by Signature Interiors.
Please discard rubbish responsibly
Jackal Buzzards are often seen perched on roadside posts or hunting from elevated perches, taking advantage of rodents and other wildlife drawn to food waste discarded by humans. This behaviour unfortunately puts them at high risk of collisions with vehicles, which can result in severe injuries. We have successfully rehabilitated and released a number of Jackal Buzzards, but some injuries are fatal, with birds suffering extreme ataxia and neurological damage. Reducing roadside hazards and encouraging responsible waste disposal are essential to protecting these remarkable raptors.
