When it comes to unsightly rubbish scatterings in national park camps, Baboons and monkeys are notorious for raiding rubbish storage facilities. This has put many creative minds to work to find innovative ways to combat the problem.
Animal-proof dustbins have stood the test of time and are seen at most camps in the Kruger National Park (KNP).
Honorary Ranger (HR), Mike Hayhurst handed over the first batch of 182 new units destined for Skukuza Rest Camp, to David Mnisi, from technical services in the Marula region.
"There has lately been a spate of incidents where baboons and monkeys have raided rubbish storage areas, due to a shortage of animal proof bins in the camp.
This promotes the spreading of disease, is detrimental to animal health (when ingested) and provides SANParks with many complaints from visitors and staff alike, and is obviously not the message that we are trying to promote," says Mike.
The dustbins have been donated by Nampak Ltd, and the HRs are sourcing funds to manufacture the mechanical units. Interested parties in this major project can contact the national executive council representative, John Brankin at 082 902-0479
