Eagles Heritage gets name change in Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association raptor strategy

One of the region’s longest-serving tourism attractions will be rebadged as part of a Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association strategy.

MRBTA bought the Eagles Heritage raptor park in 2021 to add to its growing portfolio of attractions and last week announced the centre, established in 1987, would now be called the Capes Raptor Centre.

The tourism group took over management of the site previously owned by Phil and Kathy Pain after securing rights to a peppercorn lease last year, paving the way for the future with ambitions to turn it into the country’s leading conservation centre for hunting birds.

The founding owners had signed off on the name change which was part of MRBTA’s plan to enhance and develop the centre overall.

Capes Foundation director Steve Harrison, who recently signalled his retirement, said the name change reflected the diverse array of species under care.

“We have chosen a name that conveys our work with all raptor species and highlights our position as a key regional experience,” he said.

“This rebrand is part of our broader vision to invest in and expand our facilities as we strive to provide the best-possible environment for both our raptors and our visitors.

“As we transition to Capes Raptor Centre, we remain deeply grateful to Phil and Kathy Pain for their pioneering work. This new chapter will honour their legacy while steering us towards a promising future.”

Mr Pain said he backed the change as well as MRBTA’s focus on creating “one of the leading raptor facilities in Australia”.

Income from the site is poured back into supporting the sanctuary, rehabilitation of birds of prey and conservation and education efforts, MRBTA said.

Further upgrades to the centre were planned once the free-flight arena was bolstered with three new large-scale seating areas.