EThekwini Women Doing Wonderful Things

 

The month of August is Women’s Month. This is the month when we pay tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of the Pass Laws to women and demanding equal rights for all citizens.

‘’We would like to pay tribute to these remarkable women of our country who fought during the liberation struggle and those who continue to contribute to the development of our country today,’’ said eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.

This month we celebrate some of the amazing women around Durban and all they do for the City of Durban.

Tarryn Bristow. | Image: eThekwini Municipality

Tarryn Bristow is a Bird Curator from Mitchell Park Zoo, and Umgeni River Bird Park. She is lending a hand in her way to help the community out.  

‘’Our Bird Park and our Zoo play a major role in attracting tourists to Durban,’’ said Tarryn Bristow, Bird Curator, Mitchell Park Zoo and Umgeni River Bird Park.

She is helping to rebuild Durban’s tourism industry through her efforts.

Find out more about what she is doing to help the industry in this video on our YouTube Channel Umhlanga Life TV:

The Umgeni River Bird Park was designed and built by Dr Alan Abrey. It’s situated in an old quarry site which used to contain water. Dr Alan Abrey used to visit the site when he was a young boy. In later years when he was looking for a site for a bird park he remembered the location and found it to be the ideal location.

The Umgeni River Bird Park was opened in April 1984 by the then Mayor of Durban, Councillor Sybil Hotz.

The Bird Park is located on 3.5 hectares of tropical landscaping and has a vast collection of more than 800 birds from 200 species. Some species are the only representatives of their kind in Africa and others are sometimes kept as pets.

They have some great membership packages available at the ticket office.

Address: 490 Riverside Road, Durban North on the banks of the Umgeni River.

Contact number:  031 322 5750

For more info email: grant.aggett-cox@durban.gov.za

Website: www.umgeniriverbirdpark.co.za

Covid-19 regulations are in effect when visiting the Umgeni River Bird Park.

 

Mitchell Park Zoo was named after Sir Charles Bullen Hugh Mitchell. This park was established in the early part of the last century. It was originally established as an ostrich farm. It was then changed into a zoo.

At that time they had a variety of animals, the most famous being Nellie, an Indian elephant. The park also consists of some beautifully landscaped gardens.

Today the park has many small animals including crocodiles, bucks, raccoons, cranes, monkeys, and tortoises. There is also a walk-through aviary that allows you to see the many bird species up close.

One of the many feathered beauties you might spot at Mitchell Park Zoo. | Image: Fred Felton

There is a sand-filled playground where children can play on swings, jungle gyms, slides, and other rides. The park even has paraplegic facilities, which also means that everyone can enjoy the facilities.

‘’They have a lovely outdoor park for children and the zoo is also nice,’’ said local Durban resident Cindy Polydorou.

Mitchell Park’s workers also assist in teaching children all about the animals and plant species.

Concessions for school groups and pensioners are also available.

Address: 10 Ferndale Road, Morningside, Durban

Contact details: 031 303 2275

Covid-19 regulations are in place when visiting the park.

Support Durban Tourism by visiting attractions like this and telling your friends and family about attractions such as these.

It is for this reason that eThekwini Municipality is hosting Community Tourism Organisation (CTO) Roadshows to reignite the tourism industry.

‘’It is vital for the economy to attract more tourists to the City,’’ said Durban Tourism Senior Manager, Sibusiso Mngoma at a recent Durban Tourism Stakeholders Workshop.

 The eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda is also encouraging women to get vaccinated.

‘’We urge women to vaccinate and be at the forefront of leading the campaign in their families and the community. Women have always championed the cause of building strong family structures and we commend you for fulfilling the role in our society. We once again appeal to you to rise to the occasion as we strive to save lives and build a healthy nation,’’ said eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.