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The sisters also give talks at pre-schools, junior schools, old-age homes and birthday parties, teaching people about animals and encouraging kindness towards creatures that may otherwise be misunderstood or mistreated.

Speaking to the Queensburgh News, the sisters said one of the animals that left a lasting impression on them was Hingy, a tortoise who had been paralysed after people damaged his shell.

“Hingy was a paralysed tortoise after being hurt by people on his shell. We made him a wheelchair, and he used it for many years.”

Growing up, Fiona and Naomi said animals were deeply loved at home, and while living with their late parents in Hillary, they were able to care for animals at their home.

“Naomi is deaf and I have a learning disability. Caring for animals was easier for us because we learnt so much about them. We were brought up loving animals,” said Fiona.

After 59 years in their family home in Hillary, the sisters were eventually forced to sell the property and move. They remained in Hillary but found themselves with an opportunity to continue their animal rescue work on a larger property.

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The Menagerie is currently a home to 18 rescued dogs, six fowls, three cats and a number of other rescued animals. Among the animals is Anthea, a spotted eagle owl who has been part of their lives for 24 years. Anthea has a damaged wing and is unable to fly or hunt for herself.

They also hold displays at flea markets and fetes in an effort to raise donations from the public. “We do this for the love of animals and to see a child’s or adult’s face light up. That is what makes it worthwhile.”

The sisters said they have the necessary permits for their work, including a display licence and a PAPA licence for their shows.

The Covid-19 pandemic had a major impact on their fundraising efforts, as lockdown restrictions prevented many public events from taking place and reduced donations.

“Due to Covid 19, we were not able to get many donations in because most people were in lockdown,” said the sisters.

Powerless but love shines on

One of the challenges they are facing is the issue of their electricity which was disconnected recently because they were unable to pay the amount demanded by the electricity department.

“We are using about 15 kilowatt-hours of electricity in 24 hours because we know not to waste it. But times are hard.”

According to the sisters, they have been told they need approximately R6000 to have their electricity reconnected, with another R6000 required for a prepaid meter. They have a small solar system, which helps keep essential equipment running and provides some relief.

The Menagerie receives occasional assistance from Maltons Pet Supplies, but the sisters said they have no other regular sponsors.

Despite the challenges, the sisters continue their work from their home. They do not have volunteers because the property is also where they live.

Asked why the name “The Menagerie”, they said the name has its own history. The sisters came across the word while working at the museum and learned that it referred to a collection or group of many animals.

“We saw the name while working at the museum and it meant ‘a lot of animals’, so we decided to call our company The Menagerie,” said Fiona.

For enquiries or donations, Fiona and Naomi can be contacted on 081 351 6692 via WhatsApp.

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