Bats deserve a better reputation. They may be creepy or troublesome when they occupy our attics, but overall they're more pesticide than pest. Not only do they suppress disease-carrying flies and mosquitoes, but they also devour insects that plague our food supply — and without the side effects of synthetic pesticides. The flying mammals thus carry a lot of economic clout … [Read more...]
Banting diet for dogs
The true judge as to whether a diet is “perfect” for both dog and human is based on whether they are able to provide the correct pH balances, with a leaning towards alkalinity. Thus, when one looks at popular human diets, this important formula is always fulfilled. The Banting Diet, promoted by our own legendary Professor Tim Noakes, fulfills these requirements. Often his … [Read more...]
The story of Grizz on happy food
When your best friend goes down you can end up with your hands in your hair for natural solutions, or any solutions which actually work. I adopted a rescue puppy some three years ago from a pretty dire situation. Grizzly is very close to a thoroughbred German Shepherd, so I’m not sure how he became a victim of one of the scourges of our society. Grateful to be alive, my … [Read more...]
Plastic is killing the planet - here’s how we can turn the tide
“EVERY single piece of plastic that has ever been created since the 19th century is still SOMEWHERE on our planet. So if it never goes away, where does it go?” — this is the startling idea behind the eye-opening documentary, Plastic Paradise. Plastic is difficult to escape. Simply walk through your local supermarket and take in the sheer number of products housed in plastic. … [Read more...]
Are captive-born predators fit for release into the wild?
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is growing increasingly concerned about the proliferation of captive facilities holding a range of carnivores in South Africa for the sole purpose of tourism and financial gain. We urge the public to consider a few facts when visiting any of a number of these facilities that hold lions, Cheetah, Leopards, Wild Dogs, hyena and even some exotic … [Read more...]
Fate of wild cats at predator park unclear
Confusion surrounds the future of a number of wild cats which were reportedly darted during an attempt to remove them from the Jugomaro Predator Park, in Limpopo, on Wednesday afternoon. One of the owners of the park, Justin Fernandes, made an impassioned plea for help on Facebook when he heard one of the tigers had been shot by the men darting the animals. Fernandes and … [Read more...]
Temperatures soar as heatwave sweeps across Europe
A heatwave is sweeping across Europe, with temperatures set to exceed 40C in some countries. The summer heat has taken hold of Italy, with temperatures over 35C in many cities. Rome's zoo is helping animals deal with the high temperatures by handing out iced treats and encouraging frequent bathing in cold water. Iced lollies made with yogurt and fruit were a hit with the … [Read more...]
New study confirms Earth’s sixth mass extinction has begun
We are currently witnessing the start of a mass extinction event the likes of which have not been seen on Earth for at least 65 million years. This is the alarming finding of a new study published in the journal Science Advances. The research was designed to determine how human actions over the past 500 years have affected the extinction rates of vertebrates: mammals, fish, … [Read more...]
One-third of our food depend on pollinators
We need to protect our honey bees, not only for their survival, but also for our own. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) recently concluded a five-year study focusing on pollinators and in particular honey bees. The goal was to create a knowledge base of pollinators and honey bees and raise awareness of their intricate nature, their needs in the wild … [Read more...]
Magaliesberg Leopard ventures back into the wild
A pregnant leopard named Brandy was snared in Magaliesberg recently. According to a statement released by Johannesburg City Parks, she was released back into the wild after two operations to treat her open wounds. “Since her capture and treatment, the team involved has worked diligently to give her and her three unborn cubs the best possible chance of survival in the … [Read more...]
I love turtles – book and puppet show
“Hello Hatchling my name is Bella. You must be careful – there is a lot of marine debris in the ocean that looks like food, but isn’t. Marine debris is litter. Litter items such as plastic bags, bottles, balloons and straws are dumped by humans and end up in the oceans.” This was a quote from the new puppet story book I Love Turtles written and illustrated by Marguerite … [Read more...]
Herbs for healthy chickens
There are a number of common herbs we can grow for chickens for general health. Herbs can also be used to treat chooks for infestations of worms, lice and mites. General poultry tonics and laying stimulants include, garlic, onion, chickweed dandelion, fennel, wormwood, rue, cleavers, cress, marigold, mint, vervain, comfrey, mullein roots, thyme, marjoram, sage, nasturtium, … [Read more...]
Heavy rain to flash flooding ahead
An intense cut-off low pressure system is expected over the southern and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape. The public are advised that heavy rain and localised flooding can be expected Friday evening into Saturday. Heavy rain leading to flash flooding is expected in places over the Western Cape Friday evening and Saturday. People are advised to: avoid cutting grass in … [Read more...]
