Wading into the lesser flamingo crisis
Local animal lover wades into nationwide project of rescuing lesser flamingos from Kamfers Dam.
An early morning call by Capucine Thomas to the Germiston City News on Thursday detailed a dire need for unused newspapers to help create comfortable bird cages.
Seemingly a strange request, but it was for a worthy cause.
Due to the increased drought in the natural habitat of the lesser flamingos at Kamfers Dam in Kimberley, the parents fled leaving thousands of chicks destitute.
Upon following the details of this tragic incident on social media, Capucine was unable to watch without lifting a finger, as the nationwide project went on.
The Primrose resident previously ran a charity organisation which raised funds for non-profit organisations working with animals but had to relinquish her duties in the charity due to a life-threatening illness.
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“I have always been an lesser flamingos at Kamfers Dam,” said Capucine.
“Growing up my mother had about 17 dogs and she encouraged animal interactions.
“Coming from a background of heavy involvement with the caring of animals, when I saw this post about the rescuing of flamingos, I knew I had to get involved.”
Since learning about the shipping off of flamingos to various shelters across the country, Capucine got involved with Lory Park Zoo in Midrand and began her work in charity again.
“Lory Park Zoo is now caring for about 50 chicks and is in need of a number of items, but most importantly people who can volunteer their time.
“Some chicks hatched after their mothers fled so they’re distressed. Meanwhile, when the mothers return they will be distressed because of not knowing what happened to their chicks,” Capucine said.
“The park has requested that volunteers arrive dressed in pink or white, to sort of resemble the flamingos’ mothers.”
Cupucine, who was dashing to collect other items, including blankets and food, prior to her big visit with her family to the park, told the GCN that residents could get involved by simply calling Lory Park Zoo on 011 315 7307 for any cash donations.
Furthermore, to assist with the flamingo crisis you can also donate a variety of items, including sardines, shrimp, eggs, Nestum (rice), newspapers, teddy bears, towels and food containers.
Writing to the GCN, the Lory Park Zoo team said, “Thank you for taking the time and effort out of your day to think of our Fabulous Flamingos.
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“Your generosity, no matter how great or small it was, has not gone unnoticed.
“Thank you so much for the boot full of newspapers which will definitely be assisting us on a daily basis.
“We will keep you updated on the progress in the upcoming weeks.”
Capucine wishes the dam’s water levels could rise again, ensuring that the wading birds can return to the shorelines of Kamfers Dam.
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