The Story of a Special Shop - Koi @ Jungle

Twenty years ago, in August 1998, I bought the retail Aquarium shop based at Jungle Nursery in Sherwood, Durban. After working from home for a few years, the family Koi dealership had a new home. Together with my son Warren, and his wife Angela, we ran the business from these retail premises. Now we could separate home from the shop and employ more staff. 

When I bought the shop I had a five year plan. I would run the shop with Warren for five years, gradually working fewer days and spending more time on my painting. This did not go entirely to plan as, for various personal reasons, I remained at the shop for a total of twelve years. Finally, in December 2010, when I emigrated to Australia, Warren and Angela bought my share of the business. 

I knew I was leaving the business in excellent hands. Warren and Angela make a great team. They have extensive knowledge of Koi, filtration and everything needed for care for a Koi pond. Its fascinating watching Warren handle large Koi - I think he is something of a "Koi Whisperer." 

The thatched Balinese style building at the nursery was quaint, but rather small so over the years an extension was added providing some space for an office and storage. It wasn’t ideal. As a tenant, one’s future relies on the goodwill of the landlord. We experienced more than a few anxious times. The ponds were inherited from the previous owner, were poorly designed and leaked like crazy. To overcome the lack of pond space, Warren built a number of quarantine ponds at his home. 

Some months ago, Warren and Angela purchased a small house across the road from the original shop. Now twenty years later, after months of hard work, Koi @Jungle’s new shop at 829 King Cetshwayo Highway is now open for business.

Needless to say I am so very proud of Warren and Angela. I wish them every success in the new shop.

The  entrance to the new shop with a magnificent mural painted by muralist Jono Hornby. 

At a recent Koi Show this Koi supplied by Koi @ Jungle, was chosen Best Showa .

All new ponds, with state of the art filtration, have been built at the new premises. A magnificent large display pond for big Koi takes pride of place. 

It even has a cleverly designed glass ‘jump’ barrier installed. Anyone who keeps Koi will know that occasionally they do crazy things like leaping out of the pond often with disastrous results. There’s been great attention to detail to ensure the best conditions for the fish.

Tap water filtration system installed today which will supply water to the automatic pond refill systems. This will remove all chlorine and impurities from the municipal water.

The main pond drum filtration