April 26, 2011. Durban’s Umgeni River Bird Park was closed this morning after an attempted armed robbery which left an employee seriously wounded, the city said.
“At around 6.45am, three people walked into the Bird Park and took members of staff hostage. One of the employees was shot,” said Deputy Head of Parks, Christo Swart.
According to News24, the wounded man was in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
“Nothing was taken during the attempted robbery. The scene has been handed over to the South African Police Services for investigation,” he said.
Police spokesman Lt Col Vincent Mdunge confirmed that the robbers had to flee the scene and did not get away with any cash.
The Umgeni Bird Park is expected to open again tomorrow (April 27).