The largest bird fair of its kind in southern Africa, the Sasol Bird  Fair is set to take place on the 25^th and 26^th of May 2013, at the Johannesburg Zoo with an entrance fee of only R40 per person. Outdoor enthusiasts and birders will be flocking in by the thousands, for a yearly gathering of all things related to birds - from the need to conserve birds, to bird identification, photographic courses and exhibits, including bird feeders, optics, bird books to birding destinations.

The aim of the fair is to educate and excite the public about bird conservation and inspire an interest in bird-watching. The Sasol Bird Fair is a project of BirdLife South Africa, sponsored by Sasol, in partnership with Johannesburg Zoo and City Parks.

Richard Hughes, Sponsorship Manager at Sasol said, “South Africa is blessed with a diverse species of birds – a heritage that we need to protect. We are excited to raise awareness of conservation issues and promote birding as an interesting and worthwhile pastime.”

This year, the fair will focus on families, with interactive and educational activities for children, which will inspire young South Africans to safeguard our country’s birdlife. It is also an ideal platform for everyone to improve their knowledge of birds and learn about some of the measures being taken to conserve them. Families are encouraged to bring their picnic baskets and relax in the beautiful surroundings of the Zoo.

According to Tshepang Makganye, Executive Manager of Conservation and Environment at the Johannesburg Zoo, the Sasol Bird Fair is a unique opportunity to learn tricks of the trade and appreciate the benefits of bird conservation.”

Each year, a Bird of the Year is chosen by BirdLife South Africa. The 2013 Bird of the Year is the White-winged Flufftail – a wetland species that occurs in South Africa and Ethiopia, but essentially nowhere in between. This species is one of South Africa’s five “Critically Endangered” bird species and is a focus of BirdLife South Africa’s conservation efforts.

“The White-winged Flufftail is an ambassador for other waterbirds, many of which are showing decreases in range and declines in population, and the threatened wetland habitats on which they depend”, said Mark Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of BirdLife South Africa.

“Water is a critically important resource in our country and by conserving the habitats on which the White-winged Flufftail and other waterbirds depend. It is essential that we protect this resource for our human and animal population,” Anderson added.

Ends

About BirdLife South Africa

The mission of BirdLife South Africa is to promote the enjoyment, conservation, study and understanding of wild birds and their habitats.

About Johannesburg Zoo

The Johannesburg Zoo is a popular destination, visited by over half a million people annually. It was established in 1904, when a law firm Hermann Eckstein donated a piece of land to the people of Johannesburg. The Zoo has grown to become one of the best zoos in the world. It is one of the four zoos in Africa accredited by the African Association of Zoo (PAAZAB).

The Zoo has animals from around the world.  Covering 54 hectares, Johannesburg Zoo has a large collection of 1908 animals, 365 species. The collection comprises seven classes of animal: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects and arachnids.  26 endangered species are housed at the Zoo.

The Zoo contributes to conservation of species in an attempt to help animals in the wild to survive. The Zoo houses 27 endangered species and participates in at least six conservation projects, namely: the Wattled Crane Recovery Programme, Frog, Vulture, Oribi, Indigenous Sheep Conservation Projects and the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project.

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Issued by:

Alex Anderson, Group Media Manager
Direct telephone +27 (11) 441 3295; Mobile +27 (0) 71 600 9605;
alex.anderson@sasol.com

Jacqui O’Sullivan, GM: Group Communication
Direct telephone +27 (11) 441 3252; Mobile +27 (0) 82 883 9697;
jacqui.osullivan@sasol.com