Tuesday began as a beautiful summer’s day with barely a breeze. Then, shortly after 3pm the sky darkened and huge storm barreled into the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary with incredibly powerful winds, the level of which we have not experienced before. The wind tore the roofs off the lion houses belonging to Rey Cusco in Stephanides Habitat and Chino and Coco in Kornberg Habitat. The lions were hunkered down in their expansive main habitats, safe and seemingly unbothered by the weather. The ADIWS team checked that all the animals were safe, the free-ranging donkeys, farm animals and everyone in the lion and tiger habitats was secure.

The following day we began making repairs and clearing up at 5.30am. The two lost roofs have already been replaced with temporary materials and we will do further work to make them permanent. This is all an unexpected cost so if you can contribute anything to help it would be greatly appreciated.

Thankfully, our residents settled and are not unduly frightened by South Africa’s summer storms which can include thunder, lighting, high winds and torrential rain – it is just nature after all. Ex-circus lions from Guatemala, Tomas and Kimba, seem to actually relish approaching storms, heading out and facing into the oncoming storm and letting their manes blow in the wind!

The ADIWS is designed to ensure there are always three tiers of security around any animal at any time. In the event of catastrophic damage any animal escaping would remain securely inside the main security fence, to be safely recaptured. Also, each animal also has at least three areas in their habitat in which they can be secured.

Nevertheless, in these times of increased extreme weather events worldwide, we will be inspecting and strengthening all of our lion and tiger houses. Again, any contributions towards this will be appreciated. Donate here.