POLOKWANE – If you have recently visited Wild Thingz Bird and Reptile Park at Sun Meropa, you would have noticed, just as in the past, the flocks of white birds in the park.
According to Sun Meropa General Manager, Peter Guthrie, the birds, migrating cattle egrets, species Bubulcus Ibis, have claimed the area as a breeding site and visit it every year between September and March.
“We take to heart our obligation to protect and conserve our natural resources and do our bit to support environmental sustainability. We are heartened that these birds have chosen to occupy our park as their breeding site and we have welcomed them annually, during their migration, since 2010,” he says.
“Water features, sufficient acacia trees and a cattle site nearby provide a perfect environment for the birds to settle, roost, breed and nurture their young ones to a stage where they can take flight to escape the next winter season.”
He says that they do understand however, that the presence of these birds causes a degree of unpleasantness for visitors because of the noise and smell.
“We try to minimize the inconvenience to our guests by trimming vegetation before the birds settle and by cleaning walkways and surroundings often. This must be done with minimal disruption to the birds. Conservation’s best practice promotes the provision of breeding sites for migratory birds and unfortunately we cannot allow any unethical activities which would disturb the birds such as chopping down all trees or destroying the birds once they have occupied the space.”
The management at Wild Thingz would just like to make the public aware that they are committed to conservation and to providing the migrating birds with a breeding site. This is also in compliance with legislation and with the purpose of the park which is conservation, education and rehabilitation of wild animals.
“This bird activity is a natural process that we cannot control to our desire. We apologise for any unpleasantness caused to customers by the presence of the birds and thank visitors for their patience and understanding in this regard.”
