Aquila Private Game Reserve 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 Africa’s increasingly threatened wild animals, we are fully committed to social upliftment, job creation, skills development, land rehabilitation, anti-poaching programmes, eco tourism, and community support. Creating the ideal, sustainable balance between nature conservation and the local Touws River community in the Western Cape, South Africa, is at the core of how Aquila operates.
The Eco-Synergy Project is a specialised division of the Aquila Rehabilitation & Conservation Centre (ARC), focused on reducing Aquila’s carbon footprint through various eco-friendly initiatives. This comprehensive programme encompasses a range of interconnected eco-synergy systems, including a waste management plan, worm farms, and biogas plants. These efforts have led to the development of community vegetable and herb gardens, as well as the implementation of an aquaponics system.
ARC (Aquila Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Conservation Centre) is a non-profit section 21 organisation (# 2004/011009/08) established as a rehabilitation centre and sanctuary for wild animals that can never be released back into the wild again.
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.
The increasing population of the Western Cape places considerable strain on the region’s ecological balance and natural resources. Although mesmerising, the Cape’s unique fynbos biome and mountainous landscapes are considered some of the harshest habitats in the world. Even native species adapted to survive in these environments, such as the Cape mountain leopard, are no match for the industrialisation and urban expansion of modern Africa. The Western Cape’s delicate ecosystem is constantly threatened by the excessive depletion of water, agricultural produce, human expansion, and various transport systems.
Accompanied by issues such as pollution, marine resource degradation, as well as the impacts of large-scale farming and mining, many of Cape Town’s native wildlife species and conservation areas are considered on the brink of extinction in the wild. In an effort to combat the loss of our natural animal heritage, Aquila remains dedicated to the education, upliftment, and involvement of local communities. Our goal is to foster awareness about the significance of South Africa’s wildlife, the benefits of wildlife tourism, and the importance of conservation for generations to come.,
Aquila Animal Rescue Centre (ARC) supports various rehabilitation programmes, habitat restoration and conservation projects, and wildlife rescue initiatives. Our initiatives include Saving Private Rhino, the Black Eagle project, Orphaned Rhino Calf Orphanage, Cape Leopard Rescue, Lion Rescue, Cheetah Breeding Programme, and more…
Cape Town’s diverse biomes, from Table Mountain’s fynbos landscape and pristine coastlines, to the Karoo’s rocky mountains, create a one-of -a-kind home for native wildlife. With a snare-free environment, no bushmeat market, and no neighbouring borders prone to poaching, the Western Cape region offers a secure home for many endangered species.
Rare and endangered species like the Cape Mountain Leopard, are specially adapted to the region’s harsh terrain. Protecting their habitat is vital for the survival of many endemic species, making the conservation and preservation of wildlife and the Karoo habitat an essential component of Aquila Game Reserve.
Sustainable region attracts tourists who seek immersive experiences in Africa’s unique wilderness. Conservation-led tourism contributes to local economies and fosters a true appreciation for wildlife and biodiversity.
Despite past declines from hunting, the Western Cape now focuses on restoring its wildlife heritage. Conservation initiatives and reintroduction programs are making strides in replenishing depleted populations.
Copyright© Aquila Collection. Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa is part of the Aquila Collection.
