` Lory Park ROARing News December 2011 Dear Friends, “Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning, but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instil in us.” Quote from Hal Borland, American author and journalist As we head towards the end of another remarkable year, these words ring so true. Certainly as I look back at all the experience and wisdom I have gained from the opportunities and challenges that have made 2011 an incredible year for Lory Park. As the year draws to a close it is always a good time to look back at the successes that have been achieved, as well as the lessons learnt and knowledge gained, as these form the cornerstone to making 2012 another fantastic year. 2011 has seen some memorable occasions and remarkable developments for us at Lory Park. This year saw Lory Park: Undertake extensive renovation at the zoo including the big cats section and the birds of prey. Additionally we extended our parking area Increased the numbers of visitors to Lory Park Zoo Undertake PAAZAB accreditation Begin our community outreach program with Nokhupila School These are just a few of the amazing things we have been up to over the last 12 months. 2012 I believe will certainly be no different. And while the New Year is perceived as an opportunity to gain a fresh start and new beginnings, it really is rather a continuation of our growth. In my opinion, a New Year does not present new opportunities, but rather provides a time frame to build on the prospects developed through the previous year’s hard work, commitment and dedication. To all our loyal patrons I would like to thank you all for your commitment and support of Lory Park throughout the year. Lory Park always strives to achieve only the best experience for our patrons and this is done through a team of dedicated staff who aim to meet not only your expectations, but certainly the needs of the animals as well. The team look forward to seeing you again in 2012. We wish you all the best for the year ahead. Enjoy the much deserved break for those who are taking time out over this period. Safe travels for all those going away and have a fantastic festive season. If you are still in town, enjoying the quieter Johannesburg, come join in the December festivities at the Zoo with our extended animal family. If
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Lory Park ROARing News December 2011
Dear Friends, “Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning, but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience
can instil in us.” Quote from Hal Borland, American author and journalist
As we head towards the end of another remarkable year, these words ring so true. Certainly as I look back at all the experience and wisdom I have gained from the opportunities and challenges that have made 2011 an incredible year for Lory Park. As the year draws to a close it is always a good time to look back at the successes that have been achieved, as well as the lessons learnt and knowledge gained, as these form the cornerstone to making 2012 another fantastic year. 2011 has seen some memorable occasions and remarkable developments for us at Lory Park. This year saw Lory Park:
Undertake extensive renovation at the zoo including the big cats section and the birds of prey. Additionally we extended our parking area
Increased the numbers of visitors to Lory Park Zoo
Undertake PAAZAB accreditation
Begin our community outreach program with Nokhupila School
These are just a few of the amazing things we have been up to over the last 12 months. 2012 I believe will certainly be no different. And while the New Year is perceived as an opportunity to gain a fresh start and new beginnings, it really is rather a continuation of our growth. In my opinion, a New Year does not present new opportunities, but rather provides a time frame to build on the prospects developed through the previous year’s hard work, commitment and dedication. To all our loyal patrons I would like to thank you all for your commitment and support of Lory Park throughout the year. Lory Park always strives to achieve only the best experience for our patrons and this is done through a team of dedicated staff who aim to meet not only your expectations, but certainly the needs of the animals as well. The team look forward to seeing you again in 2012. We wish you all the best for the year ahead. Enjoy the much deserved break for those who are taking time out over this period. Safe travels for all those going away and have a fantastic festive season. If you are still in town, enjoying the quieter Johannesburg, come join in the December festivities at the Zoo with our extended animal family. If
you have in comments or suggestion please feel free to contact Althea Guinsberg on [email protected] Enjoy this bumper edition of ROARing news and we will see you in the New Year! Claudia Ferguson Volunteer and Editor of the ROARing News
We’ve Been Busy! Loskop Ground hornbill project On the 24th September 2011, Lory Park Zoo held it’s “Our Heritage our Hornbill Day” to coincide with Heritage Day. As such, the day was focused around our Southern Ground Hornbills and a percentage of the gate entrance taken went to purchase supplies for Loskop Hornbill programme which is run by Delecia Gunn. The project is run under the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency – where they have a wonderful program were you can sponsor a hornbill for the year which will help with the running cost of the project. At Lory Park, we also have two Southern Ground Hornbills (Priscilla and Elvis) which are part of the African Preservation Program (APP) which falls under the African Zoo and Aquaria Program (PAAZAB) thus we felt it apt to support this program. On the 17th of November, we went to deliver the supplies that were bought from the money made on the day, along with sawdust and medical supplies. Delecia’s hard work over the many years is commendable and we are committed to having another conservation day focused on the Southern Hornbills and again contribute towards Loskop Ground Hornbill project.
For more information see The friends of Loskop - www.friendsofloskop.org
National Clean up week Lory Park Zoo got involved in helping to do a litter clean up of the Glen Austin area and the Glen Austin Bullfrog Conservancy. As part of National Clean Up week, staff and volunteers especially Patricia Marsh and her family, went to assist the residents on the 17th September 2011. The day started at 09h00 and we were divided into two groups, one group was to tackle the main road of Glen Austin and the other group went around the conservancy. What is lovely to note is that the residents came out to help; the bags were collected and taken to the Pick it Up dump site. What is very sad is that the Conservancy is used as an illegal dump site by contractors in the area and the residents have on a number of occasions spoken to the council to put this to an end but unfortunately it still happens. This is such a lovely part of Midrand and is the home of many Giant bullfrogs as well as an amazing collection of birdlife, so it is certainly sad to see this area used as a dump site. Elisabeth Hinke on the local committee does such wonderful work in trying to maintain the wetland, thus as Lory Park Zoo we are proud to help whenever we can and we ask that anyone who is interested in getting involved in a cleanup day next year to contact Althea on [email protected] as we would like to get a team together on a frequent basis to assist them at the conservancy. Pyxi Conservation Day On the 17th October 2011 we had our Pyxi Conservation Day – where everyone went ‘hopping’ mad
for the love of our bullfrogs. Lory Park Zoo is lucky to be in the Giant bullfrog territory and have them visiting the Zoo frequently during the rainy season. But the threat to these wonderful creatures is of great concern, thus the day was focused around educating the public about the bullfrogs and what an honour it is to have them still living around us. Talks were held throughout the day with a wonderful response to the morning talks. We hope that some misconceptions with regards to these frogs have changed and that people left the day with a more positive attitude to having
amphibians living with them at their homes. Race Against Extinction Day On Sunday the 13th November 2011 Lory Park hosted a Race Against Extinction Day to highlight the need for conservation and preservation of various endangered animals in the zoo. Althea Guinsberg gave a talk on the day highlighting the plight of these creatures as well as what is being done to help them, while our Ambassador
animals went around to meet and greet the visitors at the Zoo. The day also saw John Werth, a representative for Penguin Promises (www.penguinpromises.com) join us on the day to discuss the project and how each of us can make a difference not only to the penguins but to our environment. Mark Kingsmill who is one of our best volunteers was also able to raise R1100 for Penguin Promise by selling USB Penguin shaped sticks – well done Mark! AKAA Conference The 4th to 6th of October 2011 saw six representatives from Lory Park Zoo and Owl Sanctuary attending the Animal Keepers Association of Africa (AKAA) conference held at Johannesburg Zoo. The two presentation were given, the first presentation was around animal enrichment and was presented by Timothy Chirwa our Relief Keeper. He was given the opportunity to present as his team won the enrichment competition at the Zoo during the last quarter and as a result, was sponsored by Robyn Ingle Moller along with his two animal attendants.
The second presentation was by David Heynis our Assistant Administrator on the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) which is the new database system offered by ISIS. We are proud to say that we are one of only two institutions in the whole of South Africa using this new system. A poster was presented by Kara Meyer, the keeper of our Breeding Centre, highlighting pan-leukopenia in felids. This was done as we have two female
Pumas that suffer from it to varying degrees. On the top of AKAA, Lory Park Zoo is proud to say that all keeping staff, education officers as well as the Assistant Administrator are all members of AKAA. It is very important for any professional within the industry to be part of this wonderful organisation. For more info visit the AKAA website www.akaaafrica.com Events that called for a bit of dress up…. Halloween in the Zoo On the 29th October 2011, Lory Park Zoo hosted its annual Halloween evening which included a guided tour and some scares along the way and of course, our infamous fear factor challenge. The weather was not in our favour, with rain throughout the day, but as the rain cleared up for the night it proved to be a wonderful evening, thanks to all the hard work of the staff and volunteers. Christmas Carols at the Zoo On the 11th of December Adriaan Marais, the current Mr Xtreme model and Johan Stickling who is the 2011 winner of Ultimate
Man SA performed for the visitors at the Zoo. It was an amazing day in the sense that the festive mood took over the Zoo and everyone enjoyed the wonderful singing of these two aspiring young singers. Ambassador animals were on hand to greet patrons throughout the day.
What’s Been Happening at the Zoo?
Enclosure Renovations This quarter has brought with it some renovated enclosures. We have given the birds in Raptor Row some more space with far better basking opportunities, as well as ponds in the Bird of Prey enclosures. These have been a great success and one can often see Moyo our Bald Eagle as well as Courtney our Andean Condor having a whale of time as they splash around to cool off in the summer heat. We have also increased the Jaguar enclosure, making it much bigger and they sure showed their appreciation by basking in the new space. This increased space also afforded us the opportunity to put in new logs and plants which has afforded us new places to hide novel items for our enrichment activities.
Further renovations are planned for the coming year so watch this space as Lory Park Zoo grows. Visitors from Africa Lory Park Zoo was honoured to host keeping staff from Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) as part of the Animal Keepers Association of Africa (AKAA) keepers exchange program. Jimmy who is
the curator at the Centre and Angella who is a keeper came to do training at the Zoo for a week in October. It was wonderful to host them, as not only did they learn from us, but the staff also learnt a great deal from them. Jimmy also did a presentation on UWEC which was well received.
Happy Birthday Baruk and Bailey On the 12th November 2011 we celebrated the birthday of our two very special female pumas - Baruk and Bailey (better known as Wonky) who are now 3 years old. Bailey is our puma with Cerebral Palsy and Matty van Eck has written an updated story on her on our website if you want to read further into her story. For the special day treats were given to both girls who enjoyed not only the meal, but also the special attention from all the staff.
New arrival to the Lory Park Family We would like to welcome Slade Edward Gate to the Lory Park family. Slade was born on the 13th of December 2011 to proud parents Bianca van Eck (daughter to Owner Eddy van Eck) and David Gates. Congratulation to the van Eck and Gates family.
PAAZAB Accreditation
Lory Park Zoo is an intuitional member of the African Association of Zoo and Aquaria (PAAZAB) and on the 11th and 12th November we underwent our accreditation inspection. A panel was selected from within the industry to inspect our Zoo - we wait to hear reports from the inspectors. For more information on PAAZAB visit - www.paazab.com
Staff info at Lory Park Zoo We like to welcome Natasha Sibilski who has joined our Lory Park family and will be part of our education team. We look forward to her and Dewaal Venter redesigning and implementing our educational tours and programs at the Zoo in 2012. We also bid farewell to Corlia van Niekerk our Bird of Prey and Primate keeper. We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavours.
It All Starts with Giving Back… Social Responsibility towards Conservation Education This year there was two companies that gave Social Responsibility grants to Race against Extinction (www.raceagainstextinction.co.za ) - ITT South Africa and Sybase South Africa. As a result, the money was used to undertake conservation education programs at Lory Park Zoo. ITT sponsored 830 kids and Sybase sponsored 180 kids from a school based in the Thembisa region, to undertake a ranger program designed around current issues that are affecting us as a Nation i.e. recycling and global warming. Conservation of wildlife was also be highlighted. Dewaal Venter Lory Park Zoo’s education Officer, with the help of Natasha Sibilski and Patricia Marsh did an outstanding job and we are pleased to have received such positive feedback and hope that the impact has a ripple effect within our community. Once again a huge thank you to ITT and Sybase!
Lory Park hosts Dream Night On the 3rd of December 2011, we hosted our annual Dream Night event with help from the Point of Difference team, which was founded by Steven and Adele Segal. Twenty one children from Boikanyo Home for Children with Disabilities and Special needs came all the way from Hammanskraal, which is over an hour drive to Lory Park Zoo, for a magical night at our Zoo – and certainly we didn’t disappoint. We were also fortunate enough to have SRE Developments Management team sponsor the transport and dinner for the children and with the help of Springbok Atlas the transportation company gave us a huge discount on the transportation - ensuring that the vehicles used were able to cater for the special needs of the children. Adriaan Marais, who is not only Mr Xtreme 2011, but aspiring young South African Singer, provided the entertainment for the evening. The children arrived at the Zoo at 18h00 - and for many it was the first time that they had been to a Zoo. We divided the group into two for the guided tour of the Zoo which proved to be an emotional moment for both the children and the staff – as many had never seen a lion or a tiger and their reaction to these animals was overwhelming. Following the tour, the children gathered in the lapa for dinner.
And then it was party time With Adriaan singing, we all got onto the dance floor to dance with the children and this had to be the highlight of the evening. And with Ben Brand playing Father Christmas coming out at the end of the evening to hand out gifts – it was a moment that humbled us all.
Everyone had to get involved and it was a wonderful team effort from all sides to create an evening that will be remembered by all.
Once again Dream Night touched and united many hearts.
Community Outreach program - Nokuphila School During the course of the year, we have taken Nokuphila School as our community outreach school. It is run by the Love Trust which is a Non–Profit Organization (www.lovetrust.co.za) and currently there are 80 kids at the school who come from the surrounding Thembisa region. De Waal Venter our Education Officer has been doing programmes at the school ranging from reptiles and birds to domestic animals. In line with this, we recently held a recycling fashion show with the School, where each class had to make an outfit out of recyclable materials that they found in and around the school. It was a
very touching day as the kids and teachers went to a great deal of effort and it was extremely tough for the judges (Matty van Eck, De Waal Venter and George Goma) to decide on a winner. Lory Park Zoo also sponsored two recycling bins per class to help encourage the kids to start recycling plastic and paper. Additionally, over the last few months we have planted a veggie garden at the school which is checked on once a week by Dewaal and coupled with an educational talk on the nutritional value of the veggies that are being grown. We decided that it would be a wonderful idea to give each parent a little starter pack for them to make their own veggie gardens at home – and in that way extending
the project. The parents were so grateful for their little starter packs which included seeds, compost and a pot to plant them in, so that they could start growing the seeds within their homes before putting them outside into a garden area. Timothy Chirwa, our relief keeper, showed his skills as a wonderful educator and had many questions asked about gardening from the parents. We also hosted the whole school at the Zoo on the 18th of November were Natasha Sibilski made a
dvd of the visit and took it to the school to show the kids – many who were amazed to see themselves on TV In addition, Lory Park Zoo also contributed to the food packs that each child took home for the holidays. This vision of this outreach program, in conjunction with Race Against Extinction, has been achieved over the last few months and certainly couldn’t have been achieved without the help and goodwill from the following amazing people and companies: Shannon Mackay, Flora Farm, Jill Little, Leanne Berger, Jacks Paint and Sharon Salomon. We have many plans and idea that we are hoping to incorporate into our program with the school. Any help that anyone can give us like supplies or donations would be appreciated. If you are able to help please contact Dewaal Venter via his email ([email protected])
Some Interesting Animal Facts…..
Is a zebra black with white stripes, or white with black stripes? Any guesses? Well, it’s white with black stripes.
Talk about noise pollution in the jungles! A lion’s roar is so loud that it can be heard up to a distance of 8km.
Cheetahs may be large and fast, but when they roar they chirp. This sounds more like a bird or a yelping dog.
A crocodile can never stick its tongue out of its mouth.
The tusks of elephants grow through their life.
On an average, a hedgehog's heart beats 300 times, per minute.
A coin is heavier than a hummingbird!
Here is some news for the left-handed people – they are not the only ones, as all polar bears are left-handed.
Special Thank You’s
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the following sponsors for their generous support this quarter:
Flora Farm
Nedbank Team
Rockwell Team
SRE Developments Management Team
John Werth
Saint Glass
Urban Jungle Team
Sybase South Africa
ITT South Africa
Cowen Signs
Tbhokisis Lelsimbi steel boxes and tanks
Just There Magazine
Pixel Zoo
Loolilocks Koi Farm
Cube Design
Equicare Veterinary Clinic
North Rand animal Clinic
A big thank you to Dr Hanno Sierts for always being not only a vet, but a friend, to all the animals at the Zoo. We also like to say thank you to Dr Peter Caldwell from Old Chapel clinic, Dr Katja Koppel and her veterinary team from Johannesburg Veterinary Department and Dr Chris Kingsley for all their assistance when we had unhappy animals over the last year. A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers – Shannon Mackay, Mark Kingsmall, Jill Little, Sharon Soloman (Race Against Extinction), Dani Hawk, Gladys Strondl, Tyne Jackson, Heather Reid, Cheryl Davies, Debbie Eatwell and everyone that has helped us over the last year.
Drum roll please... this quarter's animal celebrity profile... Name: Daniel Species Lion Date of birth: 10 August 2010 Facts about Daniel Daniel is special as he is our only male white lion. He was hand-reared at Lory Park Zoo and Owl Sanctuary .He is now on display with Heidi our resident female white lion. Although he is 6 months younger than her he has grown at an astronomical rate and is rapidly reaching her size. His mane has grown longer and while not complete it does give a glimpse into how majestic he will be one day.
Save the Dates with Lory Park Calendar for 2012
Date Event Description
1 Jan News Years Resolution
Day Come and Pledge your support to sustainability of our wildlife and environment. Write your pledge on our wall. Certificates of your pledge will be given to you as a reminder of your resolution. Contact [email protected]
3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17
Jan Ranger Day Program For kids from the age of 8 to 16 years of age. Fun
interactive program from 07h00 to 16h00. Booking in advance is needed. Contact [email protected]
6, 9, 13 and 16 Jan Community service This is for kids that are required to do community outreach activities required by their school. Booking in advance is required. Contact [email protected]
29 Jan Pirates and Parrot day Come o matees as a pirate and get R10 off entrance fee and learn about the wonderful world of parrots and maybe find a hidden treasure. For more info contact [email protected]
2 Feb World wetland day
12 Feb Loving our environment It the season of Love, so come and show how much you love your environment. Kids bring a drawn photo showing you in your environment and get 20 off entrance fee. There be competition for the best drawing for more info contact [email protected]
24 March Creatures of the Night Guided tour and dinner at the Zoo. Contact [email protected]
3, 4, and 5, 11, 12, 17, 18, 24, 25 April
Ranger day Program For kids from the age of 8 to 16 years of age. Fun interactive program from 07h00 to 16h00. Booking in advance is needed. Contact is [email protected]
2, 13, 16, 20, 23 April Community service This is for kids that are required to do community
outreach activities required by their school. Booking in advance is required. Contact [email protected]
7 and 8 April Easter weekend at the Zoo
We will be having treasure hunts, kids’ activities and lots of Easter fun with our public and animals. Contact [email protected]
28 April International Save the frog day
We be ‘hopping’ to conserve our amphibians, so join us in hopping around the Zoo and dress in green to show your support. Contact [email protected]
1 May Cats of the Jungle Guided tour of the big and small cats section of the Zoo with emphasises on the conservation and preservation status of these animals. Guests on the tour will have a peep in at our night-room area. Contact [email protected]
26 May Gluvine Evening at the Zoo
Join us for a guided tour of the Zoo, and enjoy the evening with sweet treats and live entertainment.
5 June International
Environmental day
26, 27, 28 June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 July
Ranger day Program For kids from the age of 8 to 16 years of age. Fun interactive program from 07h00 to 16h00. Booking in advance is needed. Contact is [email protected]
25 and 29 June 2, 6, 9, 13 July
Community service This is for kids that are required to do community outreach activities required by their school. Booking in
29 July World Tiger Day This day is to create awareness about the plight of these amazing animals. This will be done conjunction with Race Against Extinction. Contact [email protected]
14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 August 4, 5, 6 September
Private School Holiday. Ranger day program
For kids from the age of 8 to 16 years of age. Fun interactive program from 07h00 to 16h00. Booking in advance is needed. Contact is [email protected]
19th
Augusts Slithery Creatures Live reptile display and talk about conserving our wonderful reptiles that we have in South Africa. Contact: [email protected]
1-7 Sept National Arbour week We will be planting trees on the 1st
awareness day Come and celebrate this day dedicated to the Kings of the sky. We will be having guided tours and enrichment for our birds of prey. Contact [email protected]
24 Sept Our Heritage our Hornbill day
Conservation day around the Southern Ground Hornbill with guided tours, enrichment and talks. 10 % of the entry fee goes to the Loskop Hornbill Project. Contact [email protected]
2, 3 and 4 Oct Ranger Program For kids from the age of 8 to 16 years of age. Fun interactive program from 07h00 to 16h00. Booking in advance is needed. Contact is [email protected]
1 and 5 Oct Community Service This is for kids that are required to do community
outreach activities required by their school. Booking in advance is required. Contact [email protected]
27 Oct Halloween Come and join us for our annual Halloween event in the Zoo. Booking in advance is essential. Contact [email protected]
11 Nov Race Against Extinction The program will be based on conservation and preservation programs. [email protected]
1 Dec Dream Night Event Closed event.
11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 Dec
Ranger Program For kids from the age of 8 to 16 years of age. Fun interactive program from 07h00 to 16h00. Booking in advance is needed. Contact is [email protected]
10, 14, 21 Dec Community service This is for kids that are required to do community outreach activities required by their school. Booking in advance is required. Contact [email protected]
25 December Christmas Day Zoo open
26 December Boxing Day Zoo open
Please note that from 18 January 2012, Lory Park Zoo’s entrance fees will increase to the following:
Our Wish List As a privately funded Zoo, we rely on donations and our volunteers so if you or your friends or family are ably to assist, no matter how big or small, your donation goes a long way in assisting our projects and ensuring the animals receive only the best. Below is our wish list, but certainly any donation is much appreciated...
Baby blankets for our cubs and kittens Baby bottle brushes Dish washing liquid Multi-purpose scourers Peanut butter, honey, yoghurt,
raisins, dried fruit, different types of nuts (for animal enrichment toys)
Food processor Bleach Brooms Spades Mops Computers/laptops that are in
working order Office stationary (files, pens,
whiteboards and markers etc.) Dustbins (black rubber)
Bags of cement Building materials (bricks, building
sand, stones etc) Plastic containers Old leather belts UV lights and infra red lights Pumps for ponds Bird incubator box Generators Thermometers Heating pads Stainless steel round bowls Non-toxic paint Non-toxic crayons for our educational
