THORNHILL – The future of African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary near Thornhill now rests in the hands of Percy Hickman’s three children, who are determined to keep their late father’s lifelong dream alive following his sudden passing on 30 April.

Percy, founder of the Sanctuary and widely known in the community as the “animal whisperer”, died suddenly from a heart attack, leaving behind hundreds of rescued birds and wild animals that relied on his daily care.

According to his children, Bernadette Loock, Wesley Hickman and Lisa Marx, African Dawn began as their father’s hobby due to his lifelong love of birds and wildlife.

Bernadette explained that long before establishing the Sanctuary, Percy began taking in orphaned and injured animals from the surrounding Thornhill community as word quickly spread that he would help any creature in need.

“He never knew the word ‘no’. There was always a loving hand to take in any sick or injured creature, furred or feathered,” said Bernadette.

As the number of animals grew, Percy opened the Sanctuary to the public around 1995 to help cover feed and medical expenses.

Today, the Sanctuary is home to more than 250 bird species, along with numerous mammals and reptiles, including servals, caracals, bushbuck, meerkats, marmoset monkeys, crocodiles and one of the Sanctuary’s most popular residents, a hand-raised porcupine.

Wesley said many of the animals housed at the Sanctuary are orphaned, injured or surrendered wildlife unable to survive in the wild.

“Animals that cannot be released, such as some crows with damaged wings and birdlife unable to fly or be rehabilitated, are also housed and cared for,” said Wesley.

He added that many parrots housed at the Sanctuary were once pets that owners no longer wanted.

“It is quite scary how many African Greys and Cockatoos are no longer wanted by their owners,” said Wesley.

Lisa said the Sanctuary’s rehabilitation unit focuses on restoring animals to optimal health so they can be released back into suitable environments whenever possible.

“The aim is to rehabilitate animals to optimal functioning and release them where possible,” said Lisa.

“For animals that can’t be released, we provide a safe haven for them to live with others of their kind.”

Lisa said Percy personally hand-raised many of the Sanctuary’s animals, including grysbok, common duiker, waterfowl and wild geese.

“The Sanctuary is noted for how tame many birds and animals are,” said Lisa.

The Sanctuary stretches across approximately 10 hectares, with a separate 150-hectare game park allowing visitors to view zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and various buck species.

Bernadette said Percy’s strong values and dedication extended far beyond the Sanctuary.

“As a father, he was dedicated to providing a warm and loving environment for us three children,” said Bernadette.

“His high standard of integrity, values and principles remained perfectly aligned.”

According to Bernadette, Percy was deeply respected within the Thornhill community and by international volunteers who had spent time at the Sanctuary.

“He was a helping hand to whoever needed help,” said Bernadette.

Following Percy’s death, the family launched a public appeal for assistance to help cover the Sanctuary’s operational costs, which can reach as high as R60,000 per month.

Bernadette said that the Sanctuary receives no government funding and relies heavily on donations, volunteers and visitor income.

Current expenses include feed, veterinary care, enclosure maintenance and staff wages.

Lisa said the family is doing everything possible to ensure the Sanctuary remains operational.

“Closing cannot be an option as we have a duty to care for our birds and animals,” said Lisa.

“This was a lifelong dream that my dad made a reality, and, by the Grace of God, we will do everything in our power to keep his dream alive.”

The Sanctuary currently employs fixed ground staff, kitchen staff, interns and casual workers from the neighbouring community, while volunteers continue to assist with daily operations.

Wesley, who lives on the Sanctuary grounds, has taken on a leadership role during the transition period.

“At present, all three siblings are hands on deck to ensure our father’s dream stays alive,” said Wesley.

Going forward, he said that they plan to concentrate on rehabilitating indigenous South African wildlife.

Wesley added that support from the public following Percy’s passing has been overwhelming.

“To date, the love and support from our community, friends and relatives are enormous,” said Wesley.

Lisa added that future plans for the Sanctuary include expanding educational programmes, scholar camps and nature-based accommodation opportunities.

“Our main goal is to preserve what our father created and allow a safe haven for our birds and animals,” said Lisa.

The family has urged the public to continue supporting the Sanctuary through donations, volunteering and visits.

African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary is situated approximately 50km from Gqeberha and 30km from Jeffreys Bay, off the R102 near Thornhill.

The Sanctuary is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00.

For more information, contact the African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary at 083 270 3397. To donate to the cause, visit the Sanctuary’s BackaBuddy campaign using the title “Help Keep Percy Hickman’s Dream Alive“.

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