Visitors to Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures can now learn the Story of the Leather.
Visitors to Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures can now learn the Story of the Leather. We proudly relate the journey of a few brave farmers, as well as a pioneer tanner, by showcasing the expert craftsmanship of some of the best South African leather apparel manufacturers in our on-site gift shop collection.
Le Bonheur recognises the important conservation role played by the South African crocodile-farming corps and appreciates the regulatory bodies that help keep it compliant. We salute this industry without swerving from our primary role: to teach respect for the African Nile crocodile and other reptiles.
On Le Bonheur Farm, a mere 40 min drive from Cape Town central, a bask of 300 Nile crocodiles are tended to by passionate animal carers. These guides host 10 daily guided tours to visitors from all over the world and are dedicated to caring for the reptiles till the natural end of their lives.
In our visitors centre we tell the parallel stories worth sharing – the contribution of licensed Nile crocodile breeders to research and economy. One of these tales is the “Story of the Bones” which honours research conducted by local universities on captive bred crocodiles.
We also tell the Story of the Leather. Using our collection, we aim to honour the many hands a well-made crocodile leather article has passed through… from the caring hands of the farmer…to the discerning eye of the tanner…ending in the mindful process of the design, cut and fashioning of the final item.
Each crafted leather item in the Le Bonheur collection speaks of knowledge and skills passed down generations, and your purchase of their handiwork allows these bearers to pay it forward.
If you have an appreciation for the ancient craft of exotic leather tanning and want to experience firsthand the best of South Africa’s exotic leather manufacturers, our collection proudly showcases brands like Hans-Peter Winklmayr, Cape Cobra and a number of other unique crafting voices.
Our founder Jurie Prins, a livestock farmer born in Namibia, first introduced Nile Crocodiles to a winelands farm in 1980, after being awarded a CITES breeding licence from Cape Nature. As a direct result of this strategic foresight, the African Nile crocodile’s numbers have been significantly improved by commercial farming, de-listing its status from highly endangered to least critical.
40 years later, we have come full circle on Le Bonheur:
Whilst honouring the legacy of our founder and other brave farmers, who shared their knowledge, and made great strides transcending Southern African countries (the natural habitat of the Nile crocodile spans many African countries), we find ourselves motivated by the educational role of our park, offering visitors the rare opportunity to view and learn more about 300 odd Nile crocodiles and other reptiles.