Company’s Garden and the Squirrels of Cape Town

The most central urban park in the city of Cape Town is not just a great place for humans to go on a relaxing scroll. In fact, it would be fair to say that the humans are only visiting. This is because Company’s Garden is actually the headquarters of an impressive community of chubby squirrels.

The History Behind Company’s Garden

Company’s Garden is a park in the city of Cape Town, South Africa. The garden is a historic site, as it was planted by the area’s first European settlers in the 1650s. It was originally created to grow fresh produce to replenish ships.

Nowadays, the Company’s Garden is not only frequented by citizens and tourists having picnics and planning to visit the Iziko South African Museum and National Gallery, but it is also home to a substantial population of pudgy well-fed squirrels.

Squirrel Superstars

The squirrels have certainly grown past any potential shyness towards humans. In fact, they may even feel your pockets for a nibble or two. However, when the squirrel notices you weren’t planning to throw them any bones, it will quickly lose interest and transform back into its natural state as an elusive tree-hugger.

Interestingly, these squirrels weren’t the only bushy-tailed animals roaming around the park. They are great “friends” with the co-habitant rat population of Cape Town, who seem to prefer hiding and rustling in grassy patches and bushes. Unfortunately, these rats didn’t turn out to be the seasoned topmodels these dainty squirrels certainly were.

Never mind those rats, though. Trust me, they mind their own business and will definitely leave you alone. Company’s Garden is a wonderful little place to just take a break, have a picnic, and play with squirrels. Still, if you do plan to have lunch at the park, be aware of your sandwich!

• 
• 
• 

ALSO READ  De Hoep: Taxidermy & Skulls

Like