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About African Dawn Sanctuary |
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African Dawn Sanctuary and Endangered Species Breeding Centre set in the
heart of a lush valley, situated between Jeffreys Bay and Port Elizabeth
lies African Dawn a truly beautiful bird and wildlife sanctuary,
endangered cat breeding program and rehabilitation centre.
The African Dawn bird sanctuary originally was a cattle farm
almost 30 years ago. The Hickman’s established the sanctuary after a
number of injured animals were brought to them to take care of. Percy,
who has been loving animals ever since he was young, says “that it
started as a hobby but got out of control”.
The African Dawn bird sanctuary is unique in that that so
many of the birds and animals are so tame. Most of the animals and birds
are hand- reared.
With their obvious love of animals, African Dawn’s popularity
has grown simply by word of mouth with locals and tourists.
The majority of the animals are indigenous, but Percy has
added foreign birds and animals to attract visitors and it seems to be
working. We have visitors and volunteers from all over the world now.
Aims and objectives:
• To rescue and treat all injured or orphaned wildlife brought to our
attention.
• The rehabilitation of animals to their optimal level of functioning.
• To provide a safe and suitable environment for birds and animals who
do not have the ability to survive re-introduction into their natural
habitat eg breeding or educational programs.
• To play an active role in cultivating an awareness amongst the public
to try and ensure a future for the conservation of wildlife.
• To work in close association with nature conversation and other
wildlife rescue centres.
Over 200 species of birds and animals including the illusive
Knysna Loerie, the majestic black eagle, our beautiful servals and
cheetahs and much more, will ensure that each visit will be a memorable
one.
With the largest aviary in the Eastern Cape, all bird lovers
will be spoiled. And for the kids (or big kids too!) we have interactive
experiences, you can feed the wallabies, cuddle with a lynx kitten or
have some hands on time with a serval.
Day visits:
The sanctuary has beautiful gardens and cycads with bird life
such as the Knysna Loerie and the Black Eagles. Other birds and animals
that can be seen include Lynx, Rare Black Eagle, Wallabies, tame
Meerkats, Owls, Black Back Jackals, Hornbills, various species of Loerie,
Marmoset Monkeys, Dassies, numerous species of buck, black Swans,
Duikers, Crocodile, Rabbits, Ostriches, Cheetahs, Snakes, Squirrels and
many separate duck species to name but a few.
African Dawn is open for guests every day between 9am and
5pm.See all the animals living together in a big park with beautiful
surroundings. On hot days it is really nice to have a swim in the pool
at the park. The sanctuary is popular over weekends and public holidays
and bus tours must book in advance.
Breeding programs:
Breeding programs form a important role in conservation
efforts in South Africa, Animals from these breeding programs are
released on the reserve when possible and also exchanged with other
breeding programs. We mostly breed with animals that cant be released
due to injury and then release the healthy offspring.
• Endangered Wild Cats - Cheetah + Serval
• Endangered Antelope - Blue Duiker
• Endangered Birds - Blue Crane
Game Area:
You can see a variety of different wild animals in the game
area. Such as monkeys, giraffe, zebra, many antelope, lots of different
bird species. The game area covers 2.471,05 acre/ 1000 hectare so you
will be able to walk around the whole day.
You can book a game drive at the sanctuary restaurant. In
this way you can see animals from up close while sitting on a game drive
vehicle. The game drives include a guide which will give information
about the animals and their behaviour.
Source: former official web of African
Dawn Sanctuary (2010)
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