Please note: NO MASKS, NO ENTRY. NO MASKS, NO TOURS. Masks need to be worn on the premises at all times.
HOEDSPRUIT ENDANGERED SPECIES CENTRE
HESC IS NO LONGER OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND ALL TOURS HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED.
See below for the HESC announcement.
The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) is in the process of repositioning to change its core business focus.
HESC is well established worldwide as an important role player in the conservation and breeding of cheetahs and the maintenance and expansion of the already limited gene pool. HESC also plays an active role in the rehabilitation of injured endangered species.
From I July 2021 our core business will focus on conservation and rehabilitation activities, while the tourism component of our business (including tours of the facility and accommodation opportunities) has already been discontinued. The decision to reposition and to refocus has become necessary in the current pandemic-stricken economic climate to ensure the financial viability of the Centre and its conservation activities going forward.
HESC will continue to provide research opportunities and will uphold its commitment to the various community support and enhancement activities in its immediate vicinity. Our fundraising activities will be increased to assist with the financing of the Centre’s very important and vital activities. Lente Roode will remain the owner and managing director of HESC.
23 June 2021, Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre strives to support conservation within a sustainable ecosystem by focusing on the survival of endangered species through the maintenance of diverse bloodlines of cheetahs, rehabilitation of rhinos, education of both local and international communities about the necessity of conservation, and focussed research for long-term sustainability of endangered species.
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Since its establishment in 1990 as the Hoedspruit Cheetah Project, HESC has played an important role in the conservation of specific endangered species, particularly cheetahs and rhinos.
HESC presents a fascinating insight into rare, vulnerable and endangered animal species and animal conservation efforts at large. It offers fun and engaging tours, and other specialised excursions to visitors.
HESC is home to a variety of animal and bird species including (but not limited to) the African wild cat, blue crane, cheetah and king cheetah, leopard, lion, sable antelope, serval, southern ground hornbill, vultures and white rhinoceros.
HESC provides exceptional opportunities to experience the African bushveld and an excellent base from which to explore the scenic wonders of the Lowveld.
HESC cooperates on an informal and formal level with various institutions and organisations to conduct its conservation and tourism programmes.
HESC is home to a variety of animal species including (but not limited to) African wild cat, ground hornbill, sable antelope, lion, cheetah, and rhino.
HESC maintains a strict policy of no contact or interaction with animals kept on the property. Our policy is aligned with international trends based on animal ethics and welfare and is aimed at ensuring the safety and health of both animals and visitors. Our policy further endorses the right of animals to live a life without fear, which is often the consequence of close contact with humans with whom they are not acquainted. We avoid human-imprinting, whereby the animals will identify more with humans than with their own species and cause them to become problem animals once released.
