Page 235 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

THE SOUTHERN C APE  233

The Ostrich’s Unusual Eating Habits
Ostriches have neither teeth nor a crop, so have developed the habit
of eating stones, which help to grind and digest their food. Perhaps
by extension of this habit, or perhaps because they are naturally
curious, there is little that an ostrich won’t eat. A few years ago, an
Oudtshoorn farmer was mystified by the theft of his washing – shirts,
socks and trousers vanished every washday – until the death of one
of his ostriches revealed the
culprit. The birds have also
been seen to eat babies’ shoes,
combs, sunglasses, buttons
and earrings (ripped from the
The early 20th-century sandstone façade of shirts and the ears of tourists).
the C P Nel Museum
E C P Nel Museum Spark plugs and bullet cases –
3 Baron van Reede St. Tel 044 272 ostriches eat almost anything
7306. Open 8am–5pm Mon–Fri,
9am–1pm Sat. Closed public hols. &
∑ cpnelmuseum.co.za } Highgate Ostrich
This building, formerly a boys’ Show Farm
school, was designed in 1906 by Off R328 to Mossel Bay. Tel 044 272
the local architect Charles 7115. Open 8am–5pm daily. & 8
Bullock. Its green-domed sand- = - ∑ highgate.co.za
stone façade is considered to Located 10 km (6 miles) south of
be one of the best examples of Oudtshoorn, this large farm offers
stone masonry found any- a tour of its ostrich-breeding
where in South Africa. facilities where visitors can
The school hall was learn more about the
designed in 1913 by various stages of the
J E Vixseboxse. bird’s development,
The museum was and have an opportunity Coloured ostrich plumes are available in
named in honour of its to cuddle the chicks, shops in Oudtshoorn
founder, Colonel C P Nel. handle the eggs and visit
A series of dioramas traces an ostrich pen. The } Safari Ostrich Show Farm
the history of ostrich adventurous can even ride Off R328 to Mossel Bay. Tel 044 272
farming in the town and its an ostrich. Those who 7311/2. Open 8am–4pm daily. & 8
community. Displays also A carved ostrich don’t have the nerve can = - ∑ safariostrich.co.za
depict the cultural history egg lamp watch jockeys take part Situated 5 km (3 miles) from
and lifestyle of the people in an ostrich derby. The Oudtshoorn, this show farm has
of the Klein Karoo region, and tour length is 1.5 to 2 hours and more than 2,500 ostriches. The
the museum prides itself on its the fee includes refreshments. conducted tours leave every half-
excellent replica of an early The curio shop offers ostrich- hour and include an ostrich race
20th-century pharmacy. There is a feather products, handbags, and visits to the breeding camp
section devoted to the vital role wallets, belts and shoes. and museum.
played by the Jewish community
in the development of
Oudtshoorn’s feather industry.
E Le Roux Townhouse
146 High St. Tel 044 272 3676.
Open 9am–1pm and 2–5pm Mon–
Fri, Sat & Sun by app. Closed public
hols. &
Built in 1909, this is an out-
standing example of the feather
palaces of the time. As an
annexe of the C P Nel Museum,
it has exhibits of authentic
European furniture from the
period 1900–20 and a collection
of porcelain, glassware and
pieces made from Cape silver. Ostriches at Highgate Ostrich Show Farm in Oudtshoorn

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