There has been information on social media that the animals have been without food and water since there are no workers to take care of them. According to the National Council of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (NSPCA) Jaco Pieterse, an inspector from the Bloemfontein SPCA has visited the zoo and can confirm that animals are provided with food and water.

“There has been a big outcry on social media with photos being shared with regard to animals at the zoo not being cared for. Unfortunately, the public is unaware that these animals have alternative sources of water available to them and we can confirm that they are being provided with water,” explains Pieterse.

“In the case of the hippo, the dam is being cleaned, which is why it does not have water and the rhinos have a water source inside their sleeping area. The rhino is a baby and is fed milk so it has an alternative source as well,” he continues.

The organisation will continue inspections throughout the strike.

OFM News/Nomaqhawe Mtebele