MEYERSDAL – The two animals were transported in an open trailer when the one hit its head against the Garsfontein over bridge on the N1 highway. Transportation of animals on an open trailer is in contravention with the regulations of transporting animals.
A daily newspaper reported that an eyewitness saw the giraffe’s head hitting the bridge, then the neck just hanging and almost jumping up again due to shock. It further reports that when the witness saw the blood coming from the giraffe’s nose, he knew it was dead.
A regular visitor to the estate (who wishes to remain anonymous) phoned in and said: “This is so sad. So totally unnecessary. The giraffe were so beautiful to watch. When they walked through the veld in their own graceful way, watching them gave you a moment to escape from the harsh realities of city life in the midst of city life.”
Meyersdal Eco Estate released the following statement:
“The management and community of the Meyersdal Eco Estate was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the incident involving the death of a giraffe bull on the N1 on July 31.
“Meyersdal Eco Estate will provide its full co-operation to the authorities to ensure that the responsible persons are held accountable.
“In selecting a game capturing company to handle the sale and capture of the giraffes, Meyersdal Eco Estate was assured that the appointed game capturing company, Ditjabe Wildlife Services, would follow all ethical requirements.
“The Gauteng Department of Agricultural and Rural Development issued a permit to the appointed game capturing company to purchase and capture the giraffes from the Estate.
“Meyersdal Eco Estate is in the process of gathering all the facts surrounding this unfortunate incident.”
