Lydenrust is more than a Badfontein animal sanctuary
Alison Davey-Botha's true passion is hand-rearing orphaned animals
Early in the morning, a visitor may find Alison Davey-Botha bottle feeding a kid (baby goat) or trying not to be pushed over by a calf, begging for more milk.
Witnessing the unusual sight of a kid suckling on a pacifier, Steelburger/Lydenburg News asked if the pacifier calmed it down? Davey-Botha just laughed and said, “no, it is to keep them quiet. They don’t stop crying for a second”.
She and her staff are dedicated to helping horses, kids, cows and other animals that would not have survived on their own.
The Drakensberg Mountains surrounds Lydenrust on the one side of the Badfontein Valley and the Kwena Dam rests on the other side.
It is truly a rural country scene out of a photo frame, located between Lydenburg and Machadodorp.
“Before Covid it was a busy tourism destination for people who needed to come and recharge. But no I focus most of my attention on animal rescue and the horses. I hope the tourism side picks up, but the animals keep me very busy,” said Davey-Botha.
On the farm, visitors will also see the 1974 Volkswagen Beetle, Daisy, and assume it is just part of the rustic farm décor.
But Daisy is in full working condition and can still climb the Long Tom Pass, slowly but surely.
Davey-Botha can be described as Badfontein’s animal whisperer, She has a special way of keeping the animals calm and content.
She is willing to help with baby rescue animals that need to be hand-reared, or if anyone needs advice in this department phone her on 071 244 7631.
Also read: A venture into the hidden Spekboom Valley with Mpumalanga Heritage experiencing
