The King Edward VII School shop “adopted” Charlie the peregrine falcon some years ago. Donations from boys and parents fund his adoption annually. The annual adoption fee is R850 which we have been able to raise every year from the generosity of the boys and their parents.

Charlie is a resident at The Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre – situated on the Belfast/Dullstroom Rd approx 1km outside of Dullstroom.
Established in 1997 by 2 Englishmen, who are passionate falconers, the centre has grown substantially in the last few years.

One of the centre’s main aims is to educate and promote awareness of the raptor species as, hopefully, through this education – particularly of school children, they may help reduce the persecution of raptors – a world wide problem.
Another of the essential services they offer is to rehabilitate injured and neglected birds.

Young birds taken from the nests become “imprinted” –mentally damaged by being handled by humans and consequently the bird thinks it is a human and can never be returned to the wild.

Many of these birds are brought to the centre or reported or abandoned and once healthy they are kept in appropriate cages and may be used in demonstrations.
The centre also does captive breeding and is also involved in helping save some the world’s most endangered species. Over the years they have rehabilitated and released back into the wild a number of birds. This takes much care and a great deal of time and understanding .

Visitors to the centre can experience a very interesting and informative show as well as seeing a variety of birds in bird friendly cages.
The centre relies heavily on gate takings and contributions.

When next you are in the Dullstroom area take time out to visit the centre and I are sure you will find it a worthwhile, informative and rewarding experience.

Any further queries on this worthy project or how you can help, please contact Rosemarie Botha at the School Shop, or email her at rbotha@kesnet.co.za