After eight years of rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing injured wildlife, The Owl Orphanage in Velddrif has announced it will close its doors, marking a significant loss for wildlife conservation in the Western Cape, as reported by Good Things Guy.
Image: The Owl Orphanage, Veldriff
The non-profit organisation has become a vital refuge for injured, poisoned and orphaned birds of prey, Blue Cranes and other indigenous wildlife across the West Coast, Swartland and Cape Metropole. However, mounting financial pressures have made it impossible for the centre to continue operating.
“We have been struggling for a long time financially, with the hope that things will improve. Unfortunately, every month became more stressful,” owner Jacques Nel said in a statement shared on social media.
Like many wildlife rehabilitation centres, The Owl Orphanage relied heavily on public donations to cover its operating costs. As economic pressures have increased, charitable giving has declined, leaving many conservation organisations facing an uncertain future.
Over the past eight years, the centre has played an important role in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife, earning the respect of fellow rehabilitation organisations across South Africa.
Following the announcement, tributes poured in from conservation groups around the country. The Owl Rescue Centre thanked Jacques and his team for helping care for “hundreds of our patients in the Western Cape,” while Wildlife Rescue Johannesburg described the closure as devastating.
Raptor Rescue Plett praised the organisation for “every bird you’ve rescued, rehabilitated, and fought so hard to save over the years,” adding that Jacques had always been generous with advice and support. The African Raptor Centre also highlighted the growing financial challenges facing wildlife rescue centres nationwide.
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Despite the closure, Jacques confirmed that every bird currently in the orphanage’s care will remain with the team until it is fully rehabilitated and ready for release back into the wild.
The centre’s legacy will also continue through its equipment and medical supplies, which will be donated to the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Springs, where they will help support ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
The team is now appealing for volunteers who can assist with transporting the donated equipment, frozen food and other supplies from Velddrif to Springs. Even partial assistance would help ensure the resources reach the rehabilitation centre.
Those wishing to assist with transport or support the remaining birds in care can contact The Owl Orphanage directly via its social media channels.
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