Expert discusses wildlife threats

CONCERNS about the increasing human encroachment into natural areas and other challenges facing wildlife will be addressed at next month’s environmental lecture at the Crocworld Conservation Centre.

Guest speaker will be the director of the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), Paul Hoyte, who will give a talk at the conservation centre on Saturday, October 8 at 9am.

Paul joined the CROW team as marketing and communications’ officer in 2013 and immediately took to his role of raising the public image and profile of the organisation and its work in local wildlife rehabilitation. His dedication to the Yellowwood Park-based centre was evident and he was appointed director in July this year, taking over from valuable predecessor, Claire Hodgkinson.

CROW was established as one of South Africa’s first wildlife rehabilitation centres, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of indigenous wildlife found in KwaZulu-Natal. It is run by a small yet experienced team of staff and volunteers who assist more than 3 000 orphaned, injured and displaced animals every year. From mongoose, genets and monkeys to birds, reptiles and antelope, CROW gives these distressed animals a second chance at a free, safe and sustainable life. As with all registered, non-profit organisations, CROW relies solely on the support and goodwill of the public locally and internationally to ensure the doors remain open.

Paul’s hour-long talk is sure to provide the audience with some astounding insights into our natural world and what we can do to make a difference. Guests are encouraged to arrive for registration and welcoming at 8.30am. The talks starts at 9 am, after which there will be time for questions before complimentary tea and coffee are served. Tickets will include entry into the park and cost R75 per adult and R35 for pensioners and schoolchildren.

Tickets for the talk must be reserved in advance. Contact Nolean Allun at 039 976103 or 083 6549651.