Metro to monitor disappearance of eggs
The Advertiser recently received a complaint from a member of the community, who wishes to remain anonymous, about the ostrich eggs at the Bokkie Park disappearing.
Sam Modiba, spokesperson for the metro, says that ostriches have been part of the Bokkie Park since it the establishment of the park in 1981.
“Currently there are three breeding pairs at the park and breeding successes vary considerably from year to year, and from pair to pair.”
He says they have found that the two biggest predators of eggs, including ostriches, chickens, geese, ducks, peacocks and guinea fowl, are humans and a couple of mongooses.
“Our biggest problem is children who have, many times, unintentionally removed eggs from nests to show their friends or parents,” adds Modiba.
According to him, they have also found that many children intentionally throw rocks at the eggs.
“We have also found that pedestrians passing the Bokkie Park will tease the animals and, at times, throw rocks at them.”
Modiba says it is difficult to point a finger at who is responsible for the disappearance of the eggs, but they will continue to keep a close eye on the ostrich eggs.
“We would like to ask the community and visitors to assist us, by keeping an eye on any person attempting to remove or damaging any bird’s eggs or disturbing any breeding birds,” he adds.
The breeding season for ostriches at the Bokkie Park usually starts at the beginning of spring and continues until December.
