Are the animals well kept at this sanctuary? 2008-03-27
ON Monday 4 February I accompanied a friend to ‘Giraffe House’ in Klapmuts to arrange a kiddies party where various ‘exotic’ birds are exhibitedand made to perform by the owner, Bryan Vorster, for educational purposes and to entertain children.
After exploring the premises I was shocked to see how birds were housed.
Two large Pelicans were kept in a small cage with no food and a hole in the ground, which contained dirty water. An Eagle, as well as two Vultures, were in a small cage also without food or water. Three McCaw Parrots were housed in a basic cage under a corrugated zinc roof and as it was a very hot day they were very distressed.
An Owl was kept in a plastic ‘box’ under a ‘zinc roof’ and was obviously stressed because of the extreme heat.
There were many other birds in the similar situation, which was very upsetting to see.
Immediately on arriving home I made a call to an authorised Avian Veterinarian and Breeder who advised me to call the AntiCruelty Association, who in turn said they would alert the SPCA in Cape Town.
Margaritha Neethling Brian Foster who runs much of the bird section of Giraffe House replies: After this complaint was received, an entourage from the SPCA, as well as Cape Nature, inspected the premises, and their reports passed the sanctuary flying colours.Foster said that apart from these visits, all the animal cages are regularly inspected and the staff of the Giraffe House take much care in seeing to the well- being of the animals and birds. “I have been involved with animals and nature conservation for many years and always put them first.” -Ed.
