MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

Facts about the Eastern Cape

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Addo is a region east of the Sunday’s River and north of Port Elizabeth. In about 1931, about 680 ha. was enclosed to form the Addo Elephant National Park. The name is of Khoikhoi origin and means ‘poison ravine’, named after the succulents which grow there. One of the biggest threats to the elephant population is the Ivory Trade, as these animals are poached for their tusks!

The male African Elephant are the largest extant terrestrial animal and can reach a height of 4 m and weigh over 7 000 kg. All elephants have several distinctive features, the most noticable being the long trunk or proboscus, used for many purposes particulary breathing, lifting water and grasping objects. Their incisor teeth, grow into tusks which can serve as weapons or tools for moving objects and digging. Elephants’ large ears flap, to help control their body temperature. Their pillar-like legs can carry their great weight! Elephants are herbivorous and can be found in different habitats including savannahs, forests, deserts and marshes. They prefer to stay near water, ie. the Sundays River!

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.