Rondebult Bird Sanctuary is the place to visit in Ekurhuleni

The Advertiser recently visited the Rondebult Bird Sanctuary, located on Forsdick Road in Rondebult, to find out what the council-owned facility has to offer.

The outdoor facility comprises different species of animals, including birds and other wild animals. There are also recreational facilities that can be used to host events and facilities to research all things birds and wild animals.

Visitors can look forward to seeing birds like peacocks, flamingos, ostriches and doves, as well as wild animals, including blesboks, zebras and springboks.

For more information, or to make a booking, people can visit the central booking office on President Street in Germiston.

During the guided tour of the facility, the Advertiser was told nearby communities, such as Buthle Park, took advantage of the facility by forming a fitness group that uses the available gym equipment to do regular workouts.

Due to the lockdown regulations, the number of people allowed in the facility at one time has been reduced to allow social distancing.

Challenges
The sanctuary’s manager, Hector Molapo, stressed the facility is facing a few challenges, including vandalism of the perimeter fence (apparently by people to poach on the land).

“We deal with fence vandalism now and then, and I worry that some of the animals might escape the facility.

“We had instances where people also attempted to enter the facility with dogs, trying to poach the animals. Littering is also another issue we encounter.

“We urge our visitors to become proud of this facility and work with us to keep it clean, protect it against vandals and help to conserve the different species of animals and equipment available for the public to make use of.”

Ekurhuleni horticulturist Lehlogonolo Nkadimeng said the facility has 24-hour security.

“In the years I’ve been working here, we have not had any major issues where our visitors fell prey to criminals. We are doing everything in our power to maintain the status quo,” said Molapo.

The facility is open to the public on weekdays from 07:00 to 15:30 and from 07:00 to 17:00 on weekends. It’s, however, closed on holidays.

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