Two baby blue cranes hatch at Tshwane bird sanctuary
These chicks are a beacon of hope for South Africa’s national bird, which is listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and other environmental threats.
The Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary has received an early Christmas gift this year – two adorable baby blue cranes have hatched, marking a joyous occasion for conservationists and nature lovers alike.
Officials are unsure when the hatching took place however spotted the birds on November 12.
These chicks are a beacon of hope for South Africa’s national bird, which is listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and other environmental threats.
Nestled in the heart of Muckleneuk, the sanctuary has long been a haven for the blue crane. The popular restaurant based at the sanctuary is named after it.
The addition of these new members to the sanctuary family highlights the success of ongoing conservation efforts by Tshwane nature conservation director, Cedric Thenga and his team.
Ward councillor Jarad Frimmel said visitors to the sanctuary may be lucky to witness the fledglings exploring their environment under the watchful eyes of their proud parents.
Frimmel shared his excitement.
“These baby blue cranes are an early Christmas present for our community. They remind us of the beauty and fragility of nature and the importance of protecting it for future generations,” he said.
Frimmel said the sanctuary team is thrilled with the new arrivals and is working diligently to ensure the chicks receive the best care.
“As they grow, they will symbolise resilience and the importance of preserving South Africa’s rich biodiversity.”
He said the public is encouraged to visit the sanctuary to see these magnificent creatures and learn more about the conservation programmes that make these milestones possible.
“This festive season, let’s celebrate not just the holidays but the gift of life and nature’s wonders,” Frimmel added.
According to Tshwane, the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary was named after South Africa’s greatest ornithologist and mammologist, J Austin Roberts.
He was born in Pretoria in 1883 and grew up in Potchefstroom as a minister’s son. He received his grounding from Thomas Ayres, a famous pioneer amateur ornithologist based there.
The University of Pretoria presented the self-taught Roberts with an honorary doctorate for his many achievements, which include standard South African reference books on mammals and birds.
The Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary was officially proclaimed as a nature reserve on February 26, 1985, in the Walker Spruit open space system.
Two streams, the Walker and the Argo, feed water into wetland basins.
Nature lovers may visit the facility to experience:
– A wide variety of bird life can be observed from the bird hide.
– Guided walks can be arranged.
– An exhibition hall.
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