Industrial automation company Jendamark Automation has announced an investment that will transform one of Gqeberha’s most controversial game parks, the Seaview Predator Park, into a private sanctuary that aims to promote conservation and wildlife education.
The company aims to restore the biodiversity of the 120 ha park and transform it into a conservation and rehabilitation centre. The investment is expected to create between 30 and 50 jobs in the local community and act as an outdoor retreat for Jendamark employees, customers and community groups.
Jendamark is in the process of developing a long-term veld and game management plan in consultation with a wildlife veterinarian and environmental specialist, says Jendamark operations director Siegfried Lokotsch.
“We want to understand the biodiversity and do the right thing ecologically in terms of the species that we introduce, the indigenous vegetation and the carrying capacity of the land.
“Currently, we have several free-ranging species, such as various buck, giraffe and zebra. There are no animals in cages and no dangerous game. All the big cats for which the park was previously known have been rehomed by the former owners,” he says.
With water for the animals being scarce, rainwater tanks have been installed and a borehole will be sunk to access a steady groundwater supply.
The Seaview Private Sanctuary, as it is now known, is not a commercial tourism venture and will not be open to the general public.