Conservation
Aquila has been established to protect and preserve South Africa’s increasingly threatened wildlife.
Conservation & wildlife rehabilitation
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.
Making a difference
At Aquila, conservation goes hand in hand with supporting the local Touws River community. Through ongoing wildlife protection, education and community initiatives, we’re committed to creating a lasting positive impact for both people and nature.
Discover more about our conservation work and community initiatives by visiting our Conservation in the Western Cape page.
The Future of South Africa's Wildlife
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.
Habitat Restoration
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
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.
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.
Native Species Recovery
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.
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.
Climate Change Mitigation
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's Animal Rescue Centre (ARC)
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.
How you can help
Every donation helps support our conservation, wildlife rehabilitation and community initiatives. Whether you choose to donate or visit Aquila, your contribution plays a vital role in protecting South Africa’s wildlife and preserving its natural heritage for future generations.
Frequently asked questions
What is ARC?
ARC is Aquila’s Animal Rescue Center. ARC is a facility dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of injured or orphaned wildlife. Animals under observation receive veterinary treatment and, once recovered, are released back into the reserve when possible.
Are Aquila's lions rescued?
Yes. The lions at Aquila were rescued from the canned hunting industry, where they would have been bred or kept in captivity specifically for trophy hunting.
Aquila provides them with spacious, secure enclosures that mimic natural habitats and comply with provincial and national wildlife regulations. This ensures the lions are safe, well-cared for, and able to exhibit natural behaviours, while supporting ethical and sustainable wildlife conservation.
Why are rhinos a target for poachers?
Rhinos are targeted by poachers primarily for their horns, which are made of keratin – the same substance as human hair and nails. Rhino horn is highly valued in some cultures for traditional medicine, ornamental carvings, and as a status symbol, driving a lucrative illegal market.
This demand has made rhinos one of the most endangered species in Africa, with poaching threatening populations across South Africa and other countries.
Are Aquila's safaris ethical?
Yes. Aquila’s safaris are fully ethical and conservation-driven. The reserve operates under strict wildlife and tourism regulations to ensure the welfare of all animals and the sustainability of the environment.
Aquila follows a no-touch, no-interaction policy, meaning guests observe wildlife in its natural habitat without interference, feeding, or handling. Every safari is conducted with respect for animal behaviour, allowing the wildlife to remain wild and free-roaming.
Beyond offering unforgettable safari experiences, Aquila is deeply committed to ethical conservation through initiatives such as ARC (Aquila’s Animal Rescue Centre) and Saving Private Rhino (SPR) – both dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and protection of endangered species.
By visiting Aquila, guests actively support wildlife conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and sustainable tourism in the Western Cape.
Read more about our conservation efforts
Explore the latest stories from Aquila Private Game Reserve and discover how our conservation, wildlife rehabilitation and community initiatives are helping protect South Africa’s natural heritage.
