For almost 40 years World of Birds has cared for over 3 000 species of birds, mammals and reptiles, from porcupines and foxes to monkeys and ostriches, and has become an establishment in Hout Bay.

Their no kill policy permanently shelters hundreds a month and they’re open to the public 365 days a year. However, the effects of the recession have drastically reduced the popularity of the sanctuary as a tourist destination and a fun family day out. Since World of Birds relies solely on the income from ticket sales, their future is not secured.

To help raise awareness, Fishgate Advertising ran an interactive campaign around Cape Town consisting of a series of handmade posters that were made of nothing but birdseeds and non toxic glue. This was in union with a guerrilla marketing tactic where the message and images of the posters were recreated using stencils and seeds on the ground in various prime footfall locations. The placing of the artwork created quite a buzz and passersby stopped to chat and photograph the process while posting to social networking sites. Once completed flocks of birds would swoop down to pick at the seeds before the wind swept the last of the message away, perfectly illustrating how World of Birds needs food to sustain life.

Watch the video:

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World of Birds is situated just on 4 ha of tropical gardens just 10km outside of Cape Town in the scenic Hout Bay Valley and is open 09h00 – 17h00 daily. Tickets are R75 for adults, R40 for children and R55 for students and pensioners. An annual family membership costs only R350. Help feed the penguins, pelicans, cormorants and birds of prey at various times throughout the day. Call 021 790 2730 or visit www.worldofbirds.org.za for more info.