April’s Species Conservation lecture series at Crocworld Conservation Centre will be presented by Ryne Ferguson, the Reserve Manager and Special Projects Coordinator at the KwaZulu-Natal Crane Foundation. His presentation on Saturday, 8 April, will focus on the three species of cranes found in South Africa, as well as the projects covered by the KwaZulu-Natal Crane Foundation.
The Foundation was established in 1989, due to the dramatic decline in the province’s crane populations. It is supported by the International Crane Foundation and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
Ferguson, an aviculturist and animal behaviourist has been managing the KZN Crane Foundation for the past year and a half. His impressive CV boasts positions at the Johannesburg Zoo as well as the Montecasino Bird Gardens. “Since I was in high school, I volunteered at the Johannesburg Zoo every chance I got. I worked in every section at the zoo. The knowledge I have is from many years of experience working with animals in captivity,” said Ferguson.
A sub-committee member for the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE) in the USA, representing the African continent, Ferguson travelled overseas where he obtained certificates in Animal Care and Management, Animal Behaviour and Training.
“I had the amazing opportunity of working with some of the best animal trainers in the world and gained experience working in some of the best zoo facilities in the USA. Animals, especially birds have been a huge part of my life since the age of six,” Ferguson said, as he described his passion.
The Crocworld Conservation Centre’s lecture series for 2017 is themed around species conservation. “It is imperative that focus is given to efforts being made to conserve, preserve and protect species and environments which are under threat,” said the Centre’s manager, Martin Rodrigues. “The talk on crane species conservation will be fantastic, and certainly one not to be missed,” he added.
Crocworld Conservation Centre is a world of undiscovered aviaries, crocodiles, snakes and reptiles. It is an ideal family venue for the Easter holidays, together with the Izinyoni Indigenous Nursery as well as the La Rendez-Vous Restaurant.
The holiday programme includes daily crocodile feedings at 11h00 and 15h00, with special appearances by the Easter Bunny between the 14th and 17th April. There will also be daily snake demonstrations at 10h15 and guided forest walks at 12h00. The park will be open between 08h00 and 16h30 daily.
Tickets for Ryne Ferguson’s talk will cost R75 per adult and R35 for pensioners. Registration and welcoming will begin from 8:30am and the talk will commence at 9:00am. Tickets will entitle guests to complimentary teas/coffees, as well as access to the Crocworld Conservation Centre’s vast grounds, nursery and restaurant.
To avoid disappointment, tickets for the talk must be reserved in advance. For bookings, contact Nolean Allun at Crocworld Conservation Centre on 039 976 1103 or 083 654 9651 or email crocworld@cbl.co.za. Account Details: Crocworld (Crookes Brothers Limited) Banking Details: FNB, Branch: Scottburgh, Branch Code: 220227, Account Number: 53640119111. Please fax the proof of payment to 039 978 3279.
