Press release issued by the Friends of the Pretoria Zoo.

LET THE HANDICAPPED DISCOVER AND EXPERIENCE OUR ANIMAL WORLD

Our pride is the variety of the most beautiful taxidermist trophies sponsored by

Mr. Wikus Marais from Potchefstroom

(We are anxiously awaiting the promised trophies from various other sponsors.)

One of the aims of the Government is to make a difference to the life of the handicapped, and there are only a few instances, which have given this aspect any preference.

The Friends of the Pretoria National Zoological Gardens want to present the general public and the business sector an opportunity to become involved in a project, unique in its kind, presently being implemented.

The Pretoria Friends are planning, through the exhibition of taxidermy animal trophies, to give the blind and other handicapped persons an opportunity similar to what a non-handicapped person would experience when visiting the zoo.

It promises to be so realistic with sound recordings of the animal calls and noises they make, being made available at this time.

Visually handicapped persons will now, for the first time, have the opportunity to, for instance, stroke the skin of wild animals and be able to feel in detail the ears and eyes and experience the general feeling of the animal.

To touch an animal and to feel the effect of nature with our senses is to bring forth a sense of being “normal”. Experts claim that contact with animals allow humans to concentrate for short periods on something else other than themselves. Concerning accessibility and guidance, provision, conformation and adaptations will be made for the unique requirements of handicapped persons.

The Friends of the Zoo are even considering asking the cerebral handicapped to assist with the preparation of the exhibition and that teachers of the handicapped be approached to act as guides.

Various enquiries have already been received from travel agencies and international tourists. To bring this exhibition up to world standards, funds are required for essential expenses such as plants for decoration, sound equipment, Braille notes for stands and aluminium plaques, publications and publicity in Braille, personal guides, translators and advertising.

A male and female Red Duiker (Antelope) Porcupine

The Pretoria Friends want to especially call on the business sector to make donations. Donors and sponsors can choose to where their donations and sponsorship must be channelled. The funds can for instance be used for a specific exhibition, for a wheelchair, to sponsor a medal, or to carry the costs for the production of sound recording material. Donors and sponsors will also be informed beforehand of exactly how much exposure and advertising they will receive.

Many more trophies of animals, fish, reptiles and birds are still required. Taxidermists and private collectors are invited to come and exhibit the pride and joy of their handcraftsmanship. Timely arrangements must, however, be made to ensure sufficient space. It is envisaged to present incentive prizes for the best trophies.

FINANCIAL CONTROL

The Friends of the Pretoria National Zoological Gardens is an Article 21 Company and will exercise full control over the project and all financial expenses. The books will be audited annually and financial statements presented.

The Director and Management of the Pretoria National Zoological Gardens support this project and are giving their full co-operation. As a result of the huge interest and spontaneous donations, Management has made available a historical building in the zoo grounds to the Friends of the Pretoria Zoo a permanent venue for the exhibition.

Prospective sponsors and donors of finance and trophies (we really need a great deal of both), and persons interested in more information, can contact the Chairman of the Friends of the Zoo, Mr. Hennie Pauley, at (012) 804 0113 and 083 303 0022.

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