Joburg Zoo asks for leaves and trees
SAXONWOLD – Joburg Zoo asks community members to donate pruned leaves for animals residing at the zoo.
Joburg Zoo has asked the community to donate unwanted pruned leaves and trees to the zoo animals.
Johannesburg Zoo anthelope, pachyderm and farmyard keeper Alice Masombuka explained that zoo residents such as the giraffe, eland, bongo, nyala and elephant require regular gnawing on leaves and branches and would love to snack on these juicy treats.
“The leaves and branches will be beneficial to the animals as it will provide a variety to their usual diets. There are a number of animals residing in the zoo who enjoy snacking on leaves all year round and it is often difficult for zoo keepers to provide them with the quantity they require,” explained Masombuka.
Masombuka said the giraffe require chewing on leaves and branches at least three times an week.
“We do feed the giraffe with lucerne as it is high in nutrients but they still require the nutrients and minerals found in the leaves of trees,” said Masombuka.
She said favourites are indigenous trees such as the rhus, wild olive, acacia, mulberry, white stinkwood and river bush willow.
Masombuka concluded community members can email, Whatsapp or phone the zoo if they have trees to donate.
Contact: 078 5402 043
Email: richard.shinida@ghzoo.org.za
