The Butterfly World Animal Sanctuary along Route 44 has received an influx of donations from its surrounding communities, including Stellenbosch and Klapmuts, during the lockdown period.
The sanctuary pleaded for donations when they closed their doors to visitors at the beginning of the lockdown, according to the sanctuary’s social media platforms.
“Suddenly, we found ourselves without any income,” said Esther van der Westhuizen, owner of the animal sanctuary. Van der Westhuizen told MatieMedia that they began to struggle to feed and care for their animals.
The sanctuary is home to many exotic animals that are rescued by organisations like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and surrendered to the sanctuary when they cannot be rehabilitated.
The sanctuary is home to lemurs, and many other animals, originally brought into South Africa to be sold as exotic pets. PHOTO: Callan Riddles
According to Van der Westhuizen, the donations poured in immediately, so much so that their food expenses decreased by around 60%.
“We were completely blown away,” said Van der Westhuizen. “We never realised that [it] would come from all directions because we were not in the habit of asking people for anything.”
Some of the exotic animals enjoying the food generously donated by the community. VIDEO: Facebook/Butterfly World Animal Sanctuary
According to Van der Westhuizen, private individuals, farmers and small distributors have all donated food to the sanctuary.
“It’s vital to support and make a difference,” said Jo Francke-Plumstead, who donated to the sanctuary and runs an organisation that cares for birds.
A local fruit and vegetable distributor, Subtropico International (PTY) Ltd (Subtropico) also donated produce that was not suitable for retail but was able to aid the sanctuary.
“When we [heard] that Butterfly World could face an issue with food for their animals, it was just natural to help a fellow business in our area,” said Johan Smit, director of Subtropico.
Smit said the sanctuary is an important part of tourism in the area and it was a priority for them to help where they could.
Esther van der Westhuizen, owner of the Butterfly World Animal Sanctuary, with a curled-up hedgehog – a crowd favourite at the sanctuary. PHOTO: Callan Riddles
The animal sanctuary has also been collecting funds through a Backabuddy crowdfunding campaign. To date, they have raised almost R12 000 on the site.
The sanctuary also saw an increase in volunteers during the lockdown period.
“[Being] able to help the team look after so many animals, including birds, sounded like pure heaven,” said Christie Kotze, who volunteered at the sanctuary during lockdown. “I was absolutely amazed by how much the team does on a daily basis,” she said.
Van der Westhuizen said that even though lockdown regulations have eased enough to allow them to reopen, their number of visitors is a fraction of what it used to be, despite having all health regulations in place.
“Our greatest need is for people to come and visit the sanctuary,” she said.
The greenery within the animal sanctuary creates an environment similar to the animals’ natural habitats. PHOTO: Callan Riddles