Johannesburg Zoo is home to more species of birds than any other animal

RELATED LINKS: Johannesburg Zoo THE zoo is one of the treasures of Johannesburg, a source of enjoyment and relaxation. It occupies sprawling grounds in central Parktown, with numerous trees, water features and beautiful walks around the various enclosures. Read more Mrs Dolittle, I presume? A LOVE of animals and a dedication to her work - these are just some of the many qualities of Johannesburg Zoo Chief Executive Jenny Gray. Read more Children go wild for zoo's animals DISADVANTAGED school children are treated to a day of learning at Johannesburg Zoo under its Vukuzenzele programme. Read more Adopt a Joburg Zoo animal ANIMAL lovers are encouraged to adopt a beast at the Johannesburg Zoo. Funds raised will be used to improve the care of the animals and the zoo's facilities. Read more Rietvlei Zoo Farm is a great day out RIETVLEI Zoo Farm is home to the Johannesburg Zoo's breeding programme, and though the breeding camps are not open to the public, there is a host of other things to see and do. Read more

The zoo's roving ambassador Jerry the Eurasian Eagle Owl

Zoo publishes birding guide WORKING with Sasol, the Johannesburg Zoo has launched a beginners' guide to birding to inspire and educate children and their parents. June 10, 2005 By Anish Abraham THINK "Johannesburg Zoo" and the first images to flash into mind are the Big Five - lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino and leopard. The zoo, however, is home to more species of birds than any other animals. It has now joined forces with Sasol, the fuel company, to launch a beginners' guide to birding, Sasol Birds of the Johannesburg Zoo. Zoo chief executive Jenny Gray said, "This book is a vital project and its launch is a real milestone for the zoo." Keeping an eagle eye on the book launch: Jenny Gray, CEO of the Johannesburg Zoo, curator Mike Harmanwith Jerry the Eurasian Eagle Owl, and Andriesa Singleton, group sponsorship manager at Sasol Board members, management and staff of the zoo, and guests from Bird Life South Africa and Sasol, gathered at a lapa adjoining the Sasol Wing of the bird enclosure, for the official launch of the booklet on 9 June. Mike Harman, curator of birds, brought along Jerry, a male Eurasian Eagle Owl, which was perched on his forearm. He introduced Jerry, saying, "Jerry is the zoo's roving ambassador." It was born at the zoo seven years ago. His talk, however, was regularly interrupted by Bella, an umbrella cockatoo, that screeched, "Hello Bella" continuously. Louise Gordon, the zoo's education manager, said the launch of the book, which contains information on indigenous and free-flying birds, was an important step towards furthering education, for children and their parents. About 150 000 school children visit the Johannesburg Zoo each year. Andriesa Singleton, the group sponsorship manager for Sasol, said the company was committed to sustainable development and towards minimising its environmental footprint in areas in which it operated. Commenting on the company's decision to sponsor the book, she said, "Our feathered friends demand greater attention." She also hoped the book would lay a foundation for people wanting to enter the world of birds. Gray said the zoo prided itself on its impressive collection of animals and birds, but also placed a lot of emphasis on education. Permission to use web site material Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as: Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website (www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency (www.joburg.org.za)"; If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original article on this website; The name of the article's author is acknowledged; The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill in this brief online form). Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 Print this Page E-mail this article to a friend Help using Joburg.org.za