TV presenter Nicole Hellinger Bosman has shared heartbreaking images of a family-owned guest farm in Franschhoek that burned down in the Western Cape wildfires last week.
The Wanderlus star is one of many affected by the flames that ravaged homes, businesses, and even a wildlife sanctuary.
NICOLE BOSMAN HEARTBROKEN AFTER WILDFIRES DESTROY FRANSCHOEK FARM
On her social media accounts, Nicole Hellinger-Bosman posted images of the Marco Polo Lodge, owned by her father, Chris Hellinger, which was destroyed by the wildfires.
The Franschhoek guest wine farm – where the Wanderlus presenter married her husband Hennie Bosman in 2021 – falls under the Charmonix Estate.
Once a sprawling five-bedroom property with views overlooking the Franschhoek Valley, all that remains are the fire-scorched walls.
The heartbroken TV star captioned the post: “The memories made here will live on forever. A true labour of love and the greatest pride of the man who built it, Chris Hellinger. End of the final chapter”.
BIG CAT SANCTUARY PICKING UP THE PIECES
Like many properties in the Western and Eastern Cape, the Panthera Africa big cat sanctuary was also ravaged by the wildfires.
Not only were animal enclosures destroyed, but the animals – including rescued lions, leopards, jaguars, and tigers – had to be sedated and relocated.
Sadly, one of the tigers, Rays, has died from smoke inhalation.
Images via Instagram: @pantheraafricasanctuary
The sanctuary, based in Stanford, now hopes to rebuild Panthera Africa with the help of public donations.
