SPCA helps relocate animals after Bloemfontein Zoo closes down

The Bloemfontein SPCA recently collaborated with the department of small business development, tourism and environmental affairs (Destea) and various rescue organisations to help relocate destitute animals of the Bloemfontein Zoo. 

This after Destea closed the zoo in December last year, citing the failure of legitimate permits. 

Since December, the Bloemfontein SPCA has been monitoring and assessing the animals’ wellbeing, but soon realised the situation was dire. 

Among the welfare issues plaguing inspectors was food, territory, and lack of veterinary assistance. 

However, the SPCA’s inspector Tebogo raised the alarm that the Bloemfontein Zoo’s animals were in urgent need of help, prompting a massive collaboration effort. 

According to the Bloemfontein SPCA’s statement, Destea assisted with permission for animals to leave the premises to better facilities, notably ones able to simulate their natural habitats as much as possible. 

On Tuesday, the Bloemfontein SPCA said that all animals, except one buffalo, have officially been relocated to wildlife sanctuaries across the country. The buffalo will be relocated later. 

“We could not have done this without the approval of Destea, in particular, Mme Nozi Nkoe, Lucky and Doctor Bongani, and all the amazing organisations and facilities that all came on board in the eleventh hour in aid of all the animals (sic).”

The animals were relocated to Johannesburg Wildlife Vet, Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, Four Paws South Africa and Lions Rock, Love Lions Alive Project, Shamwari’s Born Free Foundation, Jukani, Birds of Eden and Monkeyland, De Wildt, Old Chapel Vet Clinic, and the Humane Society International Africa. 

All organisations opened their doors at their own costs and took in an array of reptiles, mammals, birds and birds of prey, farm animals, rodents, primates and predators. 

Bloemfontein SPCA has appealed to the public to donate to the above organisations and to continue their support for them as well. 

Donations can be made using the following details:

You can also send an SMS to 42646 with the word Bloemspca, at a cost of R30, or visit their website, www.bloemfonteinspca.co.za, and click on the donate button.

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