Crocworld Conservation Centre continues to connect with visitors
The past five weeks of Level 5 lockdown has seen a rise in online activity as people seek innovative ways to keep socially connected and engaged. Scottburgh’s Crocworld Conservation Centre has been leading the way in providing digital content that is both educational and entertaining through its ongoing live video talks and animal feeds, which are scheduled to continue through May.
“The lockdown has obviously had a massive impact on everyone’s lives, so we wanted to find some way to lighten the load and bring the Crocworld Conservation Centre experience into people’s homes,” explained Martin Rodrigues, Manager of Crocworld Conservation Centre. “As a centre which cares for the wellbeing of animals, our essential service staff had to come in daily to tend to the animals, and we thought this was the ideal opportunity to care for our animals and those in lockdown at the same time.”
Following international trends, Crocworld’s team of experts have been sharing their knowledge and introducing some of the Centre’s enchanting characters – from rare snake species through to unusual feathered friends – via a series of Live Videos scheduled throughout the week. People from all corners have been tuning in for the 11am video clips, with reports of children’s homes, local schoolchildren and audiences from overseas tuning in and, enjoying these insightful talks.
From May, Crocworld is introducing an exciting additional feature to the current live videos which will encourage interaction with the audience. At the end of each live video talk and/or feeding, the presenter will answer any subject-related questions the audiences send through.
“The response from the public has been incredible,” continued Rodrigues. “People of all ages are tuning in to find out more about the residents at Crocworld and to watch the feeding and interaction. In a strange way, the forced physical distancing is giving people a chance to reflect on what’s important and re-connect with the natural world. We’re happy to be a part of this great movement.”
The upcoming talks will see Rodrigues joined by his Crocworld teammates, James Wittstock (Reptile Curator) and Ryne Ferguson (Bird Curator). They will share unique insights on the day’s featured animal, as well as feeding demonstrations on selected days and the Q&A session. Don’t miss out on any of the action by clicking onto the Live Video on the Crocworld Conservation Centre Facebook page.
Crocworld May 2020 Talk Programme at 11am
Monday, 4 May: Puff Adder Talk
Friday, 8 May: Silver-cheeked Hornbill Talk
Monday, 11 May: Green Iguana Talk
Friday, 15 May: Blue Crane Talk
Monday, 18 May: Slender Snouted Crocodile Talk
Friday, 22 May: Boschveld Chicken Talk
Monday, 25 May: Snouted Cobra Talk
Friday, 29 May: Owl Talk
For more information, visit www.crocworld.co.za or check out the Crocworld Conservation Centre Facebook page.