April 7, 2005
By Tabisa Mntengwana
GOING, going, gone! More than 20 animals at the Johannesburg Zoo are to go under the auctioneer's hammer at two events in April.
The auction is part of a campaign to create awareness of the animals and to raise funds for the zoo's five-year plan to upgrade and modernise its facilities.
"The auction is a new promotion opportunity being run by the zoo," says Elna Latchman, the events officer. "The idea is to generate awareness of the zoo's products by placing them on show - but it is also to raise funds."
Two events are planned: a gala dinner for companies at the Anglogold Ashanti Conference Centre at the zoo on Friday, 27 April at 7pm, and a sale for individuals on Saturday, 30 April at noon. Latchman says the zoo is expecting at least 100 companies to participate.
Animals on auction range from zebras and owls to panda bears, tigers and chimpanzees. Bidders will be able to view them from Tuesday, 26 April to Thursday, 28 April between 11am and 2pm. They will be given a guided tour, information and the reserve prices. "The prices for the animals will vary but we are looking at making at least R1-million or more on all our sales," Latchman says.
Well-known South African artists will have their paintings on display at the auctions. Proceeds will go towards upgrading animal enclosures, medical expenses, food and other animal enrichment programmes.
The zoo's five-year plan includes developing six zones to house animals from the different regions of the world: the Heart of Africa, Amazonia, Southern Safari, the Spice Route, Extreme Environments and the Farmyard.
To date the new ape house in the Heart of Africa section has been completed, with magnificent wooden walkways, raised decks and a new day enclosure. It has a five-metre high wall, streams and a moat with an electric fence to ensure the animals do not wade on to the visitor's side or injure themselves. The forest floor in Amazonia also has a newly fitted boardwalk and trees.
Any animals that are sponsored businesses and individuals will remain at the zoo, says Latchman, "not because we think people cannot take care of the animals, but because we have specialists at the zoo who will take good care of them on their behalf".
For more information, contact Elna Latchman on 011 646 2000 ext 221.
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