September 1, 2006
By Anish Abraham
THE South African Mint Company has affirmed its commitment to preserving the environment by adopting a baby giraffe at the Johannesburg Zoo, at a colourful event held on its premises on 31 August.
The Mint also used the occasion to unveil its rare Natura Launch set, consisting of a 24-carat, one-ounce gold coin, which depicts the giraffe. What makes the coin unique is that a limited number will feature a miniature Endangered Wildlife Trust mintmark logo.
Natanya van Niekerk, deputy general manager at SA Mint's Numismatic Divistion; Teresa Slacke, zoo educationist and Dominic Moss, who is in charge of the giraffe enclosure
"We are really proud of this baby giraffe. It is the only baby to have survived for such a long time since 1978," said Teresa Slacke, a zoo educationist responsible for securing corporate sponsorships.
"We have had such bad luck with breeding giraffes previously. The baby giraffe is now seven months old, our first to be raised by its own mother. However, we will have to find another home for him before he reaches sexual maturity," explained Dominic Moss, who is in charge of the giraffe enclosure
After adopting the baby giraffe, the Mint christened it Sam – an acronym for SA Mint. They also provided a new variable height feeder for Sam, as well as an improved feeder for his parents. The feeder for the adult giraffes has been lengthened, and a roof added to protect the feed from the elements like rain, which previously would was all the nutrients of the grasses away.
"We have always had a connection with animals – they are even on our coins. The Natura series of coins are very popular and I expect the same of this giraffe-featuring coin," said Andile Mvinjelwa, managing director of the Mint.
The entire set includes 24-carat gold coins with weights of one ounce, half-ounce, quarter-ounce and one-tenth of an ounce. Many of the guests at the function were avid coin collectors.
Mvinjelwa then presented the Johannesburg Zoo with a quarter-ounce gold coin bearing the giraffe as a symbol of appreciation.
"The Natura coin as a brand is very valuable in the coin-collecting community. It was just such a wonderful coincidence that Sam was born at the beginning of this year," said Natanya van Niekerk, the Mint's deputy general manager of the Numismatics Division.
"We are taking two major South African attributes – gold and animals – and bringing them together," she added.
Dr Stephen van der Spuy, acting CEO of the Johannesburg Zoo, thanked all those present for their continued support, and the Mint for adopting the young giraffe and improving the feeders.
He gave those present an overview of the massive plans the zoo has, transforming itself from its present state to a themed experience. Van der Spuy also pointed out to construction trucks making their way around the zoo, explaining what improvements were being carried out.
"We have a great five-year plan and are right on track for 2010. It is very special for people to still want to put effort into conserving animals when there are so many other causes out there. The zoo is not only about having fun, but preserving these animals for future generations," he concluded.
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