Four Wild Animals in Peril Saved by Kind Humans Across SA
Almost daily there is an amazing heartwarming story of someone going out of their way – from game rangers to ordinary civilians – to help trapped, injured or almost-dead wild animals. Here’s a tribute to four groups of South Africans over the past two weeks who have come to the rescue of an animal that […]
Almost daily there is an amazing heartwarming story of someone going out of their way – from game rangers to ordinary civilians – to help trapped, injured or almost-dead wild animals. Here’s a tribute to four groups of South Africans over the past two weeks who have come to the rescue of an animal that almost certainly would have otherwise died.
THE SNARED LION
On the weekend, a lion was spotted in Kruger National Park with a snare around his neck, and it was clear he was doing badly. Messages on Facebook from people who had seen him suggested that, in fact, he might have died after last being seen. But he didn’t…
Two photos of the lion were circulated widely on social media and the Facebook page of Guides & Rangers, and thanks to the intervention of some “heroes” at KNP, the lion was found and helped.
Drew Abrahamson, who herself works regularly with lions rescued from zoos or circuses and followed the injured lion’s progress, said on Facebook: “I would like to say thank you to all the veterinary & SANParks staff who helped the male Lion this morning. As you can see by the second image (posted below) the damage caused was extensive. Lions are however very resilient & he should make a full recovery!
“This is the daily fight these guys have on their hands protecting our reserves & they need to be commended for what they do.”
In a note on Facebook on Monday, KNP’s Lesley Nyawo, who kept people in the loop over the lion’s progress, wrote:
“The Snared Lion is relieved of the Snare, the wound has been treated. This afternoon, 05 January 2015.
“The Lion has been released into the area where it was darted. upon assessment of the wound by the Vets, it appeared not to be as bad as anticipated and displayed by Images. We will share Photographs at a later stage.
“On behalf of Kruger National Park Management, we take this opportunity to thank you all for the contribution and support we received from when the Lion was reported up to its rescue.”
The latest photograph of the lion, after he woke up from the surgery…
THE BLACK SPARROW HAWK
Louise Joubert, meanwhile, founder of SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary has helped her share of damaged animals, including, very recently, a lion whose face had been mauled in a territorial fight. But last week it was a black sparrow hawk with a damaged wing that came her way. At first she didn’t think the bird could be saved, but she got a second vet’s opinion, and he operated.
“Found with a badly broken wing approximately 10 days after it happened,” Joubert said in a message to SAPeople. “Very weakened state as it was difficult to find food without being able to fly. Eventually ended up in a residential area it was cornered by a small dog in a private yard. Bravely fought off the small dog until dog’s owner was alerted to the yapping of their pet. Hawk then brought to us.
“Initially prognosis not too good, vet wanted to put to sleep but we then travelled an additional 120km for 2nd opinion as we believe with the right surgery and after care it can recover. Eating like a horse which is a great sign. Definitely wants to live and fly again.
“Confined to very small travel box at this stage to ensure wing can heal for at least the next 4 weeks before pin will be removed. The wing has two bones, a thin one and a thicker one. Thin bone intact, bad break in thick bone, but there is a good chance if the post-operative after care is good. The fact that it is eating so well means less stress, less struggle and so much better chance of healing well.”
THE TRAPPED BABY KUDU
In late December, Juan von Willigh and his wife, Janine Clark, were driving home to Johannesburg from Port Elizabeth when, near Cradock, they spotted something caught in a fence. It was a baby kudu.
“We think she must have been jumping over the fence and her hoof became stuck,” von Willigh was quoted as saying in a news report. “We thought she must have been there for ages because she looked exhausted.”
Having disentangled the animal from the fence, they thought she would run away, but realised she was maybe too exhausted.
“I gave her some water from my bottle and I was surprised when she continued to drink from it.”
After resting for about 30 minutes, the animal slowly began to lift her head and upper body from the ground.
“We helped her get onto her feet, and we lifted her head a bit.
“We didn’t help a lot because she was still nervous around us.”
“About half an hour later I swear I could see the appreciation in (her) eyes…. it’s a good day.”
THE BABY ELEPHANT
In Addo Elephant Park on Sunday, a young elephant trapped in the mud was helped out by rangers.
According to news reports, ranger Michael Paxton got a call from a guide at the luxury Gorah Lodge about the stuck elephant calf at Hapoor Dam. There were about 200 elephant the rangers had to chase off to get to the baby, and Paxton and one of the park’s dog handlers, Vusumsi Nxamleko, climbed into the hole to tie a rope around the little elephant.
And once released of the mud and rope, off he went!
Thanks to all of you! You’re more than brilliant!