Friends of Free Wildlife volunteer at Joburg Zoo
PAULSHOF – When news broke that the staff at Johannesburg Zoo had recently gone on strike, Friends of Free Wildlife (FFW) WhatsApp messages did the rounds to their volunteers, as the zoo was in need of help with the feeding of animals and cleaning of enclosures.
Friends of Free Wildlife volunteer, Kevin Pearl said, “Who better to help than the experienced former FreeMe Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre’s staff members and now Friends of Free Wildlife volunteers.”
Pearl added that, historically, the rehabilitation centre had a very strong culture of volunteering, hence, the Friends of Free Wildlife’s aim is to re-open the centre and run it as a world-class wildlife rehabilitation centre ethically, being a fully compliant non-profit company, maintaining good relationships with the National council of SPCAs (NSPCA) and the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD).
The rehabilitation centre has since sparked debate and concern in the community after their temporary closure by GDARD and the NSPCA on 10 November last year due to the reapplication of the centre’s permit to operate.
The group of five FFW volunteers was finalised and included Nicci Wright, Michelle Watson, Lesley Stephen, Shantel Reynolds and Pearl who arrived at the zoo on the morning of 5 March, very eager to help out. “We were given a quick tour around the clinic, before being introduced to our supervisor for the day who was Elaine Reeve. Of course, the first task of physically exercising a pony was handed to horsewoman Stephen, who seemed perplexed by the little stallion that was half the height of the horses she usually rides,” Pearl quipped.
The other four FFW volunteers were allocated to the bird division which suited them well as they were split into teams and started cleaning food, washing dishes, refilling the water and feeding the birds.
“These are the things that are second nature to us and the work went by quickly. Our supervisor, Reeve kept us entertained and informed with stories about each animal from each enclosure. She knows the personal history of almost all the birds in her care, something that speaks volumes about her dedication to her work,” Pearl expressed.
By noon, the group had completed their tasks for the day.
“The zoo’s veterinarian appreciated the work that we did, and it was apparent the experience we gained at the rehabilitation centre before we were removed, was put to good use. We were invited to return again the following day, but due to prior commitments, only Wright and Watson were able to be there,” Pearl said.
Details: www.friendsoffreewildlife.co.za
How important is it to preserve our wildlife? Share your views on the Fourways Review Facebook page
