The Friends of Franklin (FoF) have announced the sad passing of ‘Bulperd’, the iconic old giant giraffe of the Franklin Game Reserve on Naval Hill, Bloemfontein.
Bloemfontein Courant reached out to the FoF chairperson, Andri Grobbelaar, to find out more about Bulperd and the circustances surrounding his death. According to her, they estimate (under correction) that he was about 17 years old. “His age can vary between 14 and 17 years,” she explained.
She further said that he was born on Naval Hill and he is the father of the remaining young bull, Paseka, who was born five years ago.
“On Sunday we were informed that a giraffe bull has collapsed near a fence that is close to someone’s home that is adjacent to Naval Hill. Destea and the SPCA were on the scene and we were then informed of his death. The FoF has been taking note of the fact that his body condition has been deteriorating,” said Grobbelaar.
“We knew that he was approaching an old age and that there was nothing that could be done, so for us it was and is very sad, but it is not unexpected. We thought at least that he would continue for another year or so, but he was old and busy losing body condition,” she further said.
Grobbelaar also noted that he was still a regular visitor that people could see on Naval Hill and he did not suffer, but the organisation could see that he was getting old.
“We are very saddened by the news, but we find reassurance in the fact that he had a very good life here on Naval Hill. He was an icon. Everyone knew about the big bull and we’ve lost a place that we will never be able to fill,” she shared.
Grobbelaar concluded by saying that Bulperd’s memory will forever remain with them and through his death, they will continue to strive for the conservation of the majestic giraffe.
Justine Fortuin
