NEWS RELEASE                                                                                              31 October 2001 

PAT A POTBELLY PIG FOR EXECUTIVE STRESS RELIEF 

Potbelly pigs are lovable, huggable and ideal as stress relievers for young and old alike, says veterinarian and co-owner of newly opened AnimalZone, Dr Deon de Beer. ”They’re especially suitable for our city suit and tie brigade,” he says. 

Associate, Dental surgeon turned alpaca importer and breeder, Dr Gavin Lindhorst, a rich collection of unusual and very accessible creatures are on show at the converted and landscaped farm in Klapmuts, only just over half and hour’s drive from the City Bowl. 

It’s long been known in medical circles that the effects of relating this closely to animals can provide extensive therapeutic benefits to disabled persons, the elderly and those recovering from ill heath or surgery. 

“My alpacas are typically high on the list of creatures that visitors immediately want to get close to and stroke,” says Gavin. “It’s such a pleasure to watch the transformation on a sickly or fractious child’s face when he’s held up and strokes the nose of one of these most unusual South American creatures.” 

Disabled children are encouraged to try assisted riding on AnimalZone’s horses, donkeys and llama, and for the elderly and the infirm, there’s the magic of holding a young potbelly pig, feeding a miniature goat, or chatting away with a rare parrot in the aviaries.

 “AnimalZone is the perfect place to chill out and commune with the animal kingdom,” says Deon de Beer. 

Amongst other creatures found at AnimalZone are varieties of waterfowl, all manner of friendly snakes and schools of brightly coloured koi in the ponds.

 “Entrance is free until 8 November.  We allow the public full usage of the extensive picnic areas,” said Deon. “With the accent on education, we’re getting school and special interest groups, tour buses and all sorts of people dropping by to enjoy and be refreshed by the AnimalZone experience.”

 For the visiting family, AnimalZone also has a facility for the selection and purchase of a new pet from amongst the snakes, parrots and even alpacas on sale.

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