Lory Park animal and Owl sanctuary is little haven one would not expect to find in the hustle and bustle between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Situated in Midrand, it is a what many people like to call a boutique zoo, a place where animals can be appreciated up close, where human and animal interaction is welcomed, creating a personal and peaceful atmosphere.
It all started in the small town of Beaufort west in the Northern Cape where Edward Philippus Van Eck was born. Born into a family of animal lovers and a father who was an ardent and very successful pigeon racer, it was only natural that Eddy would grow up with a strong affinity for nature and animals. Eddy spent his youth mostly collecting pet creatures and cacti.
Eddy took the huge leap of taking on the venture of creating a beautiful bird park in Midrand, which would have one of the largest collections of Parrots in the Southern Africa, it was also important for him to establish a sanctuary that would serve as a peaceful haven for the community, an educational environment for children and a breeding facility for endangered species.
After two years of hard work and dedication Lory Park was ready to open its gates in April 2000. The new little haven never came without its hardships, and it took some months before the name Lory Park was known and respected.
Eddy realized the need for expansion and a greater contribution to educating the community on conservation. During these efforts, Eddy also built a good rapport with nature conservation, as well as various welfare organisations and thus was asked to home many confiscated and abused animals. From there on Lory park is where it is today, an internationally acclaimed zoo which has established a successful co ordinance of animal care, education and community recreation with the highest standards. Through his passion and love, for animals and nature Eddy has created a beautiful haven in the middle of the concrete jungle for animals and humans to share, a place where human and animal souls may meet and go into the future together.
Lory Park animal and Owl sanctuary is little haven one would not expect to find in the hustle and bustle between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Situated in Midrand, it is a what many people like to call a boutique zoo, a place where animals can be appreciated up close, where human and animal interaction is welcomed, creating a personal and peaceful atmosphere.
It all started in the small town of Beaufort west in the Northern Cape where Edward Philippus Van Eck was born. Born into a family of animal lovers and a father who was an ardent and very successful pigeon racer, it was only natural that Eddy would grow up with a strong affinity for nature and animals. Eddy spent his youth mostly collecting pet creatures and cacti.
Eddy took the huge leap of taking on the venture of creating a beautiful bird park in Midrand, which would have one of the largest collections of Parrots in the Southern Africa, it was also important for him to establish a sanctuary that would serve as a peaceful haven for the community, an educational environment for children and a breeding facility for endangered species.
After two years of hard work and dedication Lory Park was ready to open its gates in April 2000. The new little haven never came without its hardships, and it took some months before the name Lory Park was known and respected.
Eddy realized the need for expansion and a greater contribution to educating the community on conservation. During these efforts, Eddy also built a good rapport with nature conservation, as well as various welfare organisations and thus was asked to home many confiscated and abused animals. From there on Lory park is where it is today, an internationally acclaimed zoo which has established a successful co ordinance of animal care, education and community recreation with the highest standards. Through his passion and love, for animals and nature Eddy has created a beautiful haven in the middle of the concrete jungle for animals and humans to share, a place where human and animal souls may meet and go into the future together.
