September 10th

The morning was damp in Sedgefield, but we travelled along the coast about 70ms to Plettenberg Bay and it was warmer and sunnier. Spent the day visiting different animal and bird attractions. They were all set up to rescue pets which people no longer wanted (lions which had become to big, for instance) or animals no longer wanted by zoos.
First we went to Birds of Eden, the largest single-dome free-flight aviary in the world. We saw many of the 200 different species, but certainly not all. Some very colourful birds from all over the world, visible from a wooden walkway which goes up into the canopy of the trees. Richard was popular with the birds _ he had a couple sitting on his shoulder for a long time! They had obviously been pets and one was very talkative.

Next stop was Monkeyland, where we were able to wander around in the sanctuary with the free-roaming apes, monkeys and lemurs. Many had also been kept as pets and came from all over the world to be re-homed at the sanctuary. There was a 128meter suspension bridge; while walking over it the monkeys were running alongside!  

After a quick lunch we visited Jukani, where there are a variety of big cats which have been rescued - lions, white lions, tigers, cheetahs, cougars, caracal, African wild dogs, and hyena. We walked around the electrified enclosures and heard about how they have saved some of the animals.

Then it was time to get our dinner supplies from a well-stocked Pick and Pay supermarket and head "home". We lit the braai - Therese successfully got it burning - and had beautifully barbecue steaks for dinner.

This morning is chore time - put the washing into the big commercial washing machine and went for a game of mini-golf nearby while the cycle ran. Then started the dryer while we finished the golf. Liz was the winner over the 18 holes, beating John by one point, while Richard was third.