On Saturday 1 May Oori resident Norman Jeffery was riding his horse in the Game Reserve when his mare got entangled in wires lying in the grass.  The frightened horse reared and fell, landing on top of Norman and breaking his pelvis.

Snares and neglected fences pose a constant problem to horseriders and game.  “Please take a regular walk through your property and pick up or remove any old wires and cables,” pleads Steve Panos, a neighbour.  “It's not just a danger to humans but it is really sad to have to shoot an animal that has been snared and left with horrific injuries.

“Some snares can bring down large animals such as kudu.  Even George our Giraffe and his two girls would have been in trouble!

“The good news is that we have a great tool in the Oori web page to keep in touch with each other and with what's happening.  It's been put together by RNC webmaster, Mercia Komen, for our benefit and is an excellent medium for creating a sense of community.  Gavin Orbell has just posted lovely pics of our animals.  Get involved!  Post stories and pictures and let's communicate using the web page: www.oori.co.za.”

Photograph of Oori Zebra taken by Gavin Orbell