PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Raptor Rescue, one of Plettenberg Bay's top tourist attractions along the N2 at The Heath, will continue its good work in spite of the businesses and buildings around them being removed.
Laura Fotheringham of Raptor Rescue said although disruptive in the beginning, the development is "exciting" for the institution, and Raptor Rescue will still provide attractions such as guided tours and flying demonstrations.
Raptor Rescue is one of the Western Cape's registered wildlife rehabilitation centres.
'Sunday Funday' events
Fotheringham said one of the challenges going forward will be to provide new infrastructure for water, electricity and security, among others, which will take some time to achieve.
To fund this Raptor Rescue will be running "Sunday Funday" fundraising events to try and get people to the centre "as we are still operating despite the many challenges", said Fotheringham.
Meep, the resident Barn Owl at Raptor Rescue.
The first Sunday Funday is scheduled for Sunday 15 September, a last-minute decision to get some energy, smiles and fun back to the centre. Should it rain, the event will be postponed to Sunday 6 October.
'Given go-ahead'
"The owners of the Heath buildings/business are not renewing their lease and are in the process of removing the buildings to be sold.
"There are no more tenants occupying the land, aside from our bird of prey rehabilitation and education centre.
"We have been given the go-ahead by the landowner to use the grounds going forward and to expand as we grow to include our own education hall, restaurant, gift shop and other attractions, but we have limited funding and there is a need to first secure new infrastructure," said Fotheringham.
'Positive feedback'
Plans are afoot for more future fundraising events.
"We have been getting a lot of positive feedback, donations to secure new infrastructure, sponsorships, prizes for raffles and much more, so I'm sure we will get some momentum if we carry on marketing these events," added Fotheringham.
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