Meet our resident ambassadors
African fish eagle
African Fish Eagles are one of Africa’s most iconic raptors, closely tied to rivers, dams, estuaries, and wetlands. While they remain locally common in suitable habitat, their populations are increasingly under pressure in parts of their range. Fish Eagles are highly territorial, with breeding pairs requiring large, undisturbed territories. As waterways become more developed, territories are lost or compressed, leading to increased conflict between birds and reduced breeding success.
They face growing threats from habitat degradation, water pollution, declining fish stocks, and collisions with power lines. Protecting healthy waterways and reducing human impacts along rivers and dams is essential to ensure the long-term survival of African Fish Eagles.
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
OUR RESIDENT AFRICAN FISH EAGLES
MUJAJI
We remember Mujaji, our beloved resident African Fish Eagle and a powerful ambassador for her species. After colliding with overhead powerlines and sustaining a fatal wing injury, she was left permanently flightless, yet went on to live a long, well-cared-for life in captivity, where she educated and inspired thousands of visitors.
Mujaji died suddenly in May 2025 from a coronary infarction and was estimated to be between 15 and 20 years old. A founding and iconic member of our centre, she is remembered for her commanding presence.
Mujaji was originally received from Brian Jones at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, later cared for by Radical Raptors, and ultimately donated to our centre. She was generously sponsored by Dream Knysna Property Sales & Marketing.
Our partnership with
Gift of the Givers
We are incredibly grateful for our valued partnership with Gift of the Givers, who supply us with fresh water carp sourced from the Groenvlei dams as part of their wider feeding programmes. Carp are an invasive and destructive species as they disturb the dam floor, uproot aquatic plants, degrade water quality, and outcompete native fish species. Their removal helps protect freshwater ecosystems while providing us with a high-quality, natural food source for our fish-eating birds, both in our exhibition centre and during rehabilitation. Access to fresh, appropriate diet is essential for recovery and long-term health, making this partnership invaluable to the birds in our care.
