Aquila is Cape Town’s ultimate Big 5 safari destination. But, did you know that Aquila is also one of South Africa’s leading conservation and wildlife rehabilitation centres in the Western Cape? Established to protect and preserve South Africa’s increasingly threatened wildlife, the reserve is fully committed to social upliftment, job creation, skills development, land rehabilitation, anti-poaching programmes, youth education projects, eco tourism, and local community development.
Creating the ideal, sustainable balance between nature conservation and the local Touws River community is at the core of how Aquila operates. Read more about “Conservation in the Western Cape” by clicking the button below.
Aquila’s mission is to protect and preserve Africa’s wildlife while being fully committed to social upliftment, job creation, skills development, sustainability programmes, wildlife rehabilitation, the reintroduction of native species, veld regeneration, anti-poaching initiatives, eco-tourism, and support for the local community.Â
Habitat restoration is the process of returning a degraded ecosystem to a condition that resembles its natural state. By planting indigenous trees, removing invasive species, and creating a natural fertiliser programme, Aquila is actively reversing the damage caused by human activity and environmental pressures.
Veld regeneration is a process that restores the natural vegetation (plant life) of the area. This involves planting indigenous trees, ensuring sustainable water sources, and maintaining the carrying capacity of the land.Â
By planting roughly 100 trees each month and removing invasive species to free up space for the indigenous trees to flourish, Aquila helps create more sustainable food resources for the animals. This also allows the Karoo veld to return to a healthier state.
By fostering the natural habitat, Aquila hopes to witness the return of plant and animal species that historically thrived in the area. This encourages a more diverse and resilient ecosystem.Â
Healthy populations of native species play a vital role in the maintaining the balance of the environment. With a focus on veld regeneration, Aquila is actively working to restore the natural balance of life to the Western Cape’s delicate ecosystem.
The Eco Synergy Centre isn’t a single building, but rather a collection of innovative sustainability projects at Aquila’s Animal Rescue & Conservation Centre (ARC). Focused on reducing Aquila’s carbon footprint through various eco-friendly initiative, this comprehensive sustainability programme encompasses a range of interconnected eco-synergy systems, including a waste management plan, worm farms (vermiculture), and biogas plant, solar system. These efforts have led to the development of on-site farming, green houses, fruit orchards, herb gardens, and aquaponics system.
Aquila Animal Rescue Centre (ARC) supports various rehabilitation programmes, habitat restoration and conservation projects, and wildlife rescue initiatives.
The Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Conservation Centre (ARC) was established with the primary objective of providing a safe haven for threatened species across South Africa. As Cape Town’s leading game reserve and Big 5 habitat, it wasn’t long before Aquila’s wildlife rescue centre became the largest wildlife rehabilitation organisation in the Western Cape, serving as a temporary home for endangered, injured, and rescued animals requiring care and rehabilitation before their eventual release.
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