A walk and run for Joburg Zoo
JOBURG - On 24 April, fitness fanatics gathered for their monthly dose of clean air, tranquility and camaraderie as some walked and others ran for the animals of Joburg Zoo.
Since its inception in 1936, the Johannesburg Zoo Veterinary Hospital has been a place of hope, recovery and a second chance at life for thousands of animals. In the 60s, a modern hospital was built and a major facelift was done in the 90s. The contrast between the original hospital and the current facility is enormous.
Previously, these buildings consisted simply of open-faced cages in rows which left little room for observation. The current hospital has heated floors, a drive-through passageway, a laboratory, a surgery, an x-ray room, an examination room, an entirely separate quarantine station and a modern incinerator.
Over the years, upgrades of equipment in the hospital has become necessary. The walk/run event was aimed at raising funds for much-needed medical equipment for the hospital, which will go a long way to ensuring care of the highest standard at Joburg zoo.
Dr Kresen Pillay, an associate veterinarian at the zoo said, “The equipment will enable us to provide our animals with world-class veterinary care and treatment, empowering us to become frontiers for conservation and zoological medicine.”
Globally, zoos play a significant role in conservation, research and education. Breeding and exchange programmes have led to great strides in not only increasing the lives of captive animals but the provision of rigorous scientific research and the preservation of animals which are endangered in the wild.
The equipment will provide improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the approximately 400 species housed at the zoo. It will enable the hospital staff to perform more complicated and specialised surgeries, as well as contribute towards research programmes that have conservation goals in mind.
“For a veterinarian this will be a dream come true to be able to provide the animals in your care with the best possible treatment,” said Pillay.
“Knowing that you are able to perform vital and routine procedures without having restrictions on equipment is peace of mind that can never be overrated.”
