The annual Spring Day celebration, hosted by The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre in Stellenbosch, could not invite local schools, as per its tradition, to join the organisation’s planting of trees, due to social distancing restrictions and level two lockdown regulations.
This was according to Alana Witberg, co-owner of The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre.
The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre, located just outside Stellenbosch, offers wildlife and environmental education to the public. PHOTO: Sarah Hoek
Instead, the centre decided to invite TV and radio personality Liezel van der Westhuizen to support the annual event, that raises awareness for South African wildlife and the environment, said Witberg. This year’s event was held on 30 August.
“This pandemic will not stop our efforts in greening up the earth,” Witberg said.
The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre spent Spring Day planting Yellowwood trees. Pictured: Alana Witberg, co-owner of The Giraffe House. PHOTO: Sarah Hoek
Van der Westhuizen commended The Giraffe House for its commitment to educating people about South African nature and animals.
“The Giraffe House’s efforts drew me in, and I want[ed] to lend my labour and platform to spread the message about their work, [which] is not only educational but vital to the preservation of life,” she said.
“I adore giraffes, and am so worried about their depleting numbers,” said Liezel van der Westhuizen, South African TV and radio personality. PHOTO: Supplied/Liezel van der Westhuizen.
Van der Westhuizen has also been dubbed “the giraffe” lady, after making the animal a part of her personal brand due to her height, she said.
“I embraced my giraffe height and inherent nature, and became known under the moniker ‘the giraffe’,” Van der Westhuizen said.
“It was nice to get [Van der Westhuizen] out here and to get exposure for the park,” said Emma Prior, the environmental educator at The Giraffe House.
“Lockdown was difficult because we couldn’t get people in and get funds, but on the bright side we could spend more time with the animals and on our infrastructure. We’re happy we pulled through and that we have guests now again,” said Emma Prior, the environmental educator at The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre. PHOTO: Sarah Hoek
Planting trees for the future
Van der Westhuizen and The Giraffe House staff planted Yellowwood or Podocarpus latifolius trees, which is South Africa’s national tree, said Witberg. Yellowwood trees are a protected species, Witberg said.
“We know that trees contribute to our environment by providing the oxygen that we breathe, they improve the quality of air, climate amelioration, conserves water, preserves soil and supports wildlife,” she said.
Gerry was the first giraffe at The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre, said Alana Witberg, co-owner of The Giraffe House. The centre is home to a variety of South African wildlife. PHOTO: Sarah Hoek
The beginning of spring was also the perfect time to plant the trees, said Van der Westhuizen.
“When trees breathe, they inhale carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen – we need more of that! Planting trees at The Giraffe House is another way to do my part in reducing the carbon footprint we leave on this earth every day that furthers climate change,” she said.