If you’re looking for a really unique Christmas gift that will be enjoyed for the entire year, then you might want to consider a Crocworld Conservation Centre membership. This is a welcome gift that lets the recipient visit the Scottburgh-based centre throughout the year.
“People are definitely looking for creative gifts that celebrate nature, encourage outdoor activities, and will actually be appreciated for long after the festive season,” said Crocworld Conservation Centre Manager, James Wittstock. “Membership to Crocworld is really the gift that keeps on giving as we always have something new to see and do. Whether coming for a full day of family fun or just to enjoy some time out in nature, a Crocworld Membership is the perfect gift.”
7 reasons to gift a Crocworld Membership
1. Freedom to visit anytime
Crocworld Conservation Centre is open seven days a week from 9am to 4.30pm. With the Crocworld Membership, families can pop by for a quick visit after school, spend an entire day at the Centre on the weekend, or enjoy a midday break from work, relaxing with the delightful residents. With membership, there’s freedom to visit whenever!
2. Get to really know the team
Crocworld is home to a wide variety of diverse creatures, with new residents welcomed regularly. With a Crocworld Membership, visitors can get to know the many interesting characters personally, their individual tastes and moods, likes and dislikes. Some of these colourful residents include:
· Sekhuru, the African Fish Eagle who has started welcoming visitors in 2022;
· Henry the oldest Nile crocodile in captivity, who is celebrating his 122nd birthday on 16 December (join in the celebrations!); and
· Colgate, the second biggest Nile crocodile with 36 wives and the biggest smile!
For those who prefer soft and cuddly animals, there’s the animal farm which is home to a range of farmyard critters, including bunnies, goats, guinea pigs, pigs and tortoises. Crocworld Members will even get to know the on-site team, including Crocworld Conservation Centre Manager, James Wittstock; Crocworld’s Reptile Curator, Wade Kilian; Crocworld’s Bird Curator, Ryne Ferguson; and Fish Eagle Café’s Executive Chef and Manager, Morne van Zyl.
3. Enjoy some bird watching
And there’s no way Crocworld Members will be able to overlook the feathered residents and visitors that make this such a vibrant place, including the 200 or so local birding species that roam the grounds freely. Besides the aforementioned, Sekhuru, Crocworld has an extensive aviary and the newly-opened Raptor Wing home to many birds of prey. These include booted eagles, Eurasian eagle owls, Harris hawk and jackal buzzards – among many others.
The Centre also has a successful breeding programme with Crocworld welcoming two Marabou Stork chicks in 2020 – the first in the Centre’s history. They also have the endangered Cape Vulture species forming part of the breeding programme which is a vital conservation method to preserve the existing gene pool. They’ve also been joined by the latest feathered addition, a pair of white, mute swans regally named Elizabeth and Philip.
4. A photographer’s haven
For wildlife photographers looking to get some iconic images, a Crocworld Membership promises an endless supply of inspirational angles. There’s the resident birdlife and wildlife who are always ready to pose for a shot, as well as the incredible natural flora on the grounds. The beautiful scenery sets the perfect backdrop for photoshoots, and for those looking to capture marine creatures in action, Crocworld has the revamped Whale Watching Walkway – the perfect spot to capture migrating humpback whales.
5. The best food in town
Crocworld Members can also enjoy some quality-made food with the best sea views at the on-site Fish Eagle Café. The site has a stunning wraparound deck for outside dining, and in addition to the expansive meal offerings, Fish Eagle Café also boasts a delectable Gourmet Burger Menu. The café often runs not-to-be-missed specials and hosted evenings to watch out for.
6. Kids’ edutainment
Crocworld hosts daily talks, Tuesdays to Sundays, at 11 am and 3pm, including exciting animal feedings and handlings. The Centre is committed to conservation education, particularly among the youth, and families with Crocworld Membership can take advantage of these interesting and informative talks every day!
7. Cost savings
Crocworld Membership allows visitors to enjoy the beautifully-landscaped indigenous gardens, the lush, coastal dune forest, incredible ocean views, soothing bird calls and enchanting animal discussions – for a very low once-off price! All Crocworld Memberships are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, so stop by and buy one whenever!
1 x Adult Membership: R275
1 x Children Membership: R180
1 x Pensioner Membership: R200
1 x Family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children aged 4 to 12 years): R780
*Children under 4 years enter free of charge.
For more on Crocworld’s Membership and events, visit www.crocworld.co.za, ‘Crocworld Conservation Centre’ on Facebook or call 039 976 1103. Contact Fish Eagle Café, call 083 658 7073 or email [email protected].
While Crocworld is still accepting cash payments, it’s phasing over to a cashless system and card payments are welcomed.
