Cango Wildlife Ranch (Facebook)
The Cango Wildlife Ranch in Oudtshoorn has suffered significant damage following recent heavy rain that caused various rivers to break their banks.
In a statement, the Ranch said they were notified of heavy water heading towards the facility on Tuesday after the Grobbelaars River, which runs alongside the facility, broke its banks.
Staff had a short space of time to evacuate all animals, except one Red-Rumped Agouti, which escaped its enclosure during the evacuation process by jumping over the wall into the flooded area.
(Pixabay image of a Red Rumped Agouti)
The Ranch said although Agouti's are good swimmers it was caught up in the rapids and its survival remains unknown and local authorities have been notified.
Staff were then informed that the boundary wall collapsed and further evacuations were completed.
Based on the watermarks, it is estimated that the river rose on the premises by just under 4 m, causing structural damage, compromising enclosures and damaging its retail outlet and restaurant.
The Cango Wildlife Ranch said all animals are safe and sound and hopes to re-open on the 10th of June.
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