City Conservator Awarded for Saving Zoo Animals. (13 November, 1996)

A National Zoologicial Gardens conservator has been honoured for rescuing dozens of animals during floods which swept through the zoo in January this year. In an experience reminiscent of the Bible story of Noah, Pretoria zoo conservator Brendon Boyce was woken up on the night of January 19 by the sound of water lapping at his door. Peeping through the window, Mr Boyce saw a 'white sheet of water' coming down the Apies River where it runs through the zoo. 'Some nice rain at last,' he thought.

When the current grew stronger and stronger, Mr Boyce opened the door, and was met by a flood of water running into his house. The first thing that came to mind was the plight of the animals, especially those kept at the farmyard by the banks of the Apies. Mr Boyce put on his raincoat and took a torch to investigate, finding animals struggling to keep their heads above the waist-high flow of water. Single-handedly and in the dark, Mr Boyce forced his way against the dangerous current and rescued dozens of animals from drowning.

At the zoo's Flamingo Restaurant yesterday Mr Boyce was awarded a special commendation 'for outstanding services rendered in that he placed his life at risk through his unselfish action when he came to the rescue of animals during the flood of the Apies River. Staff reporter. Courtesy of the Pretoria News.