Centre to join MRBTA

The local tourism association is adding another attraction to its list, with plans to take over the Eagles Heritage Wildlife Centre. The Boodjidup Road attraction has struggled in recent years and has a peppercorn lease on Shire of Augusta-Margaret River land. The Times understands, apart from complementing other MRBTA offerings such as Forest Adventures north of Busselton, the association-run centre would also become a new permanent home for the Owl Friendly Margaret River Region program. Under the new deal, Eagles Heritage owner Phil Pain would continue managing the attraction he has run with wife Kathy for more than 30 years. “At the top of our priority list has been to find new owners for Eagles Heritage who are local, and who will be able to continue our work in conserving and protecting raptors,” he said. “We see MRBTA as a fantastic fit for the business, and we are tickled pink that we’ve found such a capable organisation to take over the reins.” Mr Pain started the centre in 1987 as an attraction and to care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned birds of prey. MRBTA attractions manager and co-CEO Steve Harrison said with the not-for-profit at the helm, the intent was to expand its capacity to care for raptors as part of the MRBTA’s environmental focus. “Operating Eagles Heritage represents a deepening of MRBTA’s commitment to conservation and environmental regeneration, and will enable us to grow our efforts to enhance visitor education and appreciation of the region’s natural assets,” he said. “We hope to honour the exceptional work of Phil and Kathy Pain over the last three decades, and to continue their legacy to enable future generations to learn about and encounter these incredible birds of prey.” Visitors are offered daily interactive encounters with some of the centre’s more than 20 housed birds, as well as bush walks and displays. MRBTA said it was in a unique position to offer the resources needed to expand the business and deliver nature-based experiences which contribute to conservation activity. The Shire lease would continue to run, with any renegotiation advertised to the public.