Cape Town - The brief was clear: get a monkey to sit on Diva’s head. We managed to achieve this in triplicate when we visited World Of Birds last week.
The bird sanctuary and wildlife park is home to more than 3 000 birds (and small animals) of 400 different species. As a place that takes in the sick and wounded, and has a no-kill policy, your visit will ensure this place can continue to operate. It needs all the support it can get. You can spend a few hours walking through the aviaries and enclosures looking at mainly birds, both exotic and domestic.
There is an extraordinarily large number of chickens, for example. They might not seem particularly interesting in the greater scheme of things, but I think their fluffy little legs are cute as they busily scratch in the sand for who knows what. But if it’s the spectacular you are after, you won’t be disappointed.
Early on we encountered a peacock, his colourful tail trailing behind him and his head and neck glowing an iridescent blue in the sunlight. “Do you know, I have never seen a peacock with his tail open?” I said to Diva. Shortly after that, she entered the next enclosure ahead of me and shrieked for me to hurry up.
Startled, I hurried, in time to hear a grumpy old man telling her to shush, and to see two magnificent white pea fowls screeching as they engaged in a graceful, deliberate dance, displaying their huge fully open fanned tails. Turning in slow circles, every so often they would bristle and vibrate their feathers. It was literally jaw-droppingly beautiful and I could barely tear myself away. What a treat.
Another highlight for me were the scarlet ibises. There are several of them, and their plumage is radiant. I only know they are ibises because I had to look it up (the long curved beaks make it easier, if you know from hadedahs); there was no sign on this enclosure, and the staff member working there had no idea.
For Diva, however, it was the squirrel monkeys. These tiny creatures are adorable and have the energy of children pumped up on Red Bull. They never stop moving for more than a few seconds. They are also infamous for their mischievousness, and you can either leave your bag in a locker at the entrance to their enclosure, or make sure it is zipped firmly shut. Quick as a wink, these monkeys will have your car keys and be laughing at you from the top of a tree.
You’re asked not to feed or touch them, but they will often jump on you whether you like it or not. With the help of a staff member, we got three monkeys to clamber all over Diva and mess up her hair. Mission accomplished.
l The World Of Birds is in Valley Road, Hout Bay, and open daily from 9am till 5pm. Entrance is R95 for adults, R45 for children, and R55 for pensioners and students (with card). For more information call 021 790 2730 or see www.worldofbirds.org.za
Weekend Argus