Ed Richardson
Good rains and the return of tourists visiting game farms and lodges are expected to mark the return of buyers and record prices to the annual Kirkwood Wildsfees auction.
There is great excitement in the game industry following the return of SANParks to the annual Kirkwood Wildsfees auction after an absence around the Covid-19 shutdowns.
Over 150 lots of prize game animals including disease-free buffalo bulls will be on auction at the annual Kirkwood Wildsfees auction on Friday, June 30.
This will include around 360 purebred stock from the Addo Elephant National Park and other parks managed by SANParks.
“The return of SANParks game to the auction is welcomed by the tourism and game industries. Their animals are always sought after,” says Johan Swart, one of the conveners of the auction.
“Addo kudu bulls are always in demand because of their quality,” he adds.
According to Garth Saville, convener of the auction, buyers from around the country have registered.
“The 15 buffalo bulls and SANParks plains game bulls that will be on sale are attracting buyers,” he says.
Among the bulls being offered by SANParks are eland, kudu, zebra, Cape Mountain Zebra, gemsbok, black wildebeest and hartebeest. There are also two lots of spotted hyena.
The auctioneer is world-renowned Brandon Leer. The auction will be held at the Mayogi bomas on the R75 from 12:00 on Friday, June 30.
It coincides with the annual SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees, which is being held from Friday, June 30 to Sunday, July 2.
The festival offers three days of entertainment for the whole family.
For more information go to www.wildsfees.co.za.
