Seven tortoises rescued from the path of the recent wildfires in Free State, South Africa are now enjoying new lives roaming the 455-acre ADI Wildlife Sanctuary!
Did you know, ADI has rescued and returned to the wild (in Africa and South America) more tortoises and turtles than any other species?
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Siblings Africa, Kiara2 and Rolex are clearly relaxed after a huge wildfire was stopped from entering the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary yesterday. The alarm was sounded about a fast-moving fire 25 miles away. The ADIWS team loaded our fire fighters and began bringing the lions and tigers into their safe zones. Within 40 minutes 26 lions and tigers were in the feeding camps and the ground was being soaked. Five lions were taking their time coming in – father Leo and children Africa and Kiara2, and Tarzan and Tanya (who never hurry for anyone). Nevertheless the team persevered and everyone was in their safe zones within an hour of the alarm – unsurprisingly, Leo was the last to potter in. Strong winds drove the fire and it reached our north and west perimeters about four hours later, where it was stopped by the brave efforts of our team. See video of the shocking events earlier.
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Continue readingTerrifying fire sweeps into the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. All residents and personnel safe after heroic battle to fight flames. Please give today as we rebuild.
Continue readingLast month saw a surge in wildfires in our region, and the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary team raced out to help fight them.
The most serious incident occurred in early September, when at 11.30am on a Saturday morning, Trevor, ADIWS Head of Security and local FireWatch, alerted everyone: “Huge fire approaching from the north, being pushed by wind towards our district…. It’s about 45km away…. Ensure all firefighting equipment are in order and ready.”
Trevor headed to the frontline to join others fighting the fire and kept us updated.
As half the Sanctuary team filled our firefighters, the other half began luring our lion and tiger residents into their night houses and feeding camps (their places of safety) while soaking the grass around them. This is where we keep the grass cut short, surrounding our residents with fire breaks.
Meanwhile, the fire was blazing through part of a local nature reserve, with the wind driving it across roads; it kept moving, and fast. With the fire 20km from the Sanctuary, at 1.30pm, Trevor instructed the team: “As soon as it approaches we need to fight the fire before it reaches the perimeter fences… please just control emotions, we need to stay calm and focus.”
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ADI Wildlife Sanctuary 