The Friends of Franklin (FoF) group which has been making it their mission to assist in the upkeep and nurturing of the animals at Naval Hill, has many exciting plans for 2021.
Founder member of FoF, Andri Grobbelaar (34), told Bloemfontein Courant that in collaboration with the University of the Free State and the Mangaung Municipality the Friends of Franklin group is planning to purchase and/or exchange animals and indigenous vegetation in order to enhance the genetic diversity and richness of the Franklin Nature Reserve.
Grobbelaar said they have started with quotations and the planning to purchase and translocate two young giraffe cows from nearby farms. “We hope to raise public funds for this project and to make the translocation a success by 21 June 2021 – which is celebrated as World Giraffe Day.”
She further explained that word-of-mouth information indicates that the current bull and cow residing on Naval Hill, are actually a mother and one of her sons. They have mated and produced a bull calf during Easter of 2019. Hence, more genetic variety is needed in order to ensure that the famous Franklin giraffes continue to exist for many years to come.
Grobbelaar added that the community should keep an eye out for their new Lobola boxes, which will be placed at the Naval Hill Planetarium. The public and Bloemfontein businesses are encouraged to provide donations for the conservation and promotion of the wildlife and natural environment of Naval Hill and Franklin Game Reserve.
FoF is also in need for public volunteers for various projects they will be hosting this year. “We would also like to remind all photographers and members of the general public to participate in our Naval Hill Photography Competition.
The competition will be conducted within the requirements and practices as prescribed by “Friends of Franklin – Naval Hill Nature Conservation Group” and the “Bloemfontein Camera Club”. Information on this competition can be found on their Facebook page. The Closing date is 01 March 2021, at 11:00 am.
For more information on how to contribute to project(s) or to become a member/volunteer, an email can be sent to: [email protected], or Andri Grobbelaar can be contacted on 083 542 6556.
Sazly Hartzenberg
