African Dawn Bird & Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Thornhill area west of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), developed from one man’s love of birds, taking in injured and orphaned wild birds and unwanted pet birds to look after them. Soon other animals were also ending up at Percy Hickman’s door, and in 1997 the numbers grew to such an extent that his sanctuary was opened to the public in order to help subsidize the cost of food and medical care for the animals. There’s a small restaurant on site as well as ample space for family picnics.
Hundreds of animals have passed through the sanctuary and been released back into the wild, but of course there are some that are either too badly impacted to be returned to the wild, or are exotic to our country, and these are housed in the sanctuary’s excellent facilities. Casual visitors are not allowed to pet or otherwise interact with the animals in their enclosures, but for people with time, effort and expertise to offer African Dawn has a well established volunteer programme in support of their conservation efforts.
A one time cattle farm, most of African Dawn’s property is today a beautiful nature reserve where several kinds of animals indigenous to South Africa roam freely. Visitors traverse this section of the sanctuary in the comfort of their own vehicle, or along a hiking trail (advance booking is required for the latter). A wonderful feature at regular intervals along the drive is the signboards providing interesting information about the animals visitors pass on their way. Obviously the reserve staff know which areas the various animals prefer, as we encountered several species within view of the sign dedicated to them.
Looking for an interesting day out while visiting PE and surrounds? You can’t go wrong with a visit to African Dawn Bird & Wildlife Sanctuary, and you will be supporting them in their important work.
DeWetsWild 