I visited the centre on the 15 th of October 2009. The moment I walked in I noticed all the Eagles sitting in rows tied by the foot on a short chain or rope, perched on a small plastic loop. I arrived at 11.50 am and it was over 28 o Celsius on arrival. I walked around and notice that every time someone walks close by the eagles would struggle and startle and try to fly up and away.

I then myself realized that it was indeed very hot out in the open sun and noticed that only a few of the birds was protected by some sort of shade. My son took lots of pictures and I started getting agitated by the fact that these poor birds could in no way protect themselves from the harsh sunlight and heat.

I then noticed that many of them were swaying slightly forward and had their wings spread open to try and cool of somehow. I walked to the receptionist and the lady there (speaking in a slurred voice) told me to get lost. I explained that I was concerned and shocked to put it frank that these birds had now been in the full sun for almost two hours unable to get out from under the sun and I asked why they were not rather put into big cages where they could fly freely and find shelter.

A man came to me, wearing a kaki outfit, he said that he was in charge. I asked him the same thing and he said that they have to "cook" the birds to get them to a state of extreme thirst and only once they've drunk water do they take them back into the shady part of the park.

It was nearly three hours now and a school bus full of children arrived. The stormed in by the gate and ran freely among the poor tied up birds, now in a frantic state of panic. I felt so upset that I then called the SPCA in Cape Town. They confirmed that they've had calls before about this "conservation camp" and I was give a case number. They said that they would send someone out.

Personally I feel this: I have visited many "rehabilitation centers" for animals all over the world. There is a difference between actually rehabilitating an animal and the point where the "program" is clearly structured such as to gain capital from it.

I mean, if you save a starving child, do you then tie him/her up for everyone to come and view close-up and inspect, to the detriment and of the child or do you then make that child comfortable and give it security and freedom?

Come on Spier, do something, the suffering of animals should not be exploited to make someone wealthy!!

I eventually left, feeling very upset. Has no one noticed this problem before?

If all else fails, Spier should offer to build huge cages for these birds. They are not instruments for mans own pleasures but also feel fear and heat and it is not natural to keep birds tied up for hours and hours on end.

I find it sick and sad.