Quarterly news letter -
March 2011
  

 

  

 

  

  

Southern Ground Hornbill
 

 

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
(Anne Frank) 
 

 

   
 

Animals that we looked after this past breeding season

   Wood Owl

Bush Buck
Hi everyone, it’s Rose again.

WOW!! I have had the most amazing few months of learning and working with beautiful animals and each one has its own story. Getting attached to these animals is always a problem and it can sometimes cause tears. But at the end of the day it is still worth it. I’ve had some good news about our old friend Wally the Cape clawless otter that we released at The Estuary. Apparently he has been spotted with a female and is now completely settled in and very happy. To receive news like this is making me a very happy mommy. Now I will wait for the good news of being a Granny! Okay, maybe I’m to young for that, but it would be good news, don’t you think?

 

                                      

 

   

Blackheaded Heron

On 10/02/2011 Tobie LaGrange brought us a baby Ground Hornbill that he bought  from people in the Eastern Cape for R300-00 and his watch. We kept her here for a few weeks before we moved her to the Johannesburg Zoo were she was placed in quarantine before she will be moved to the Mabula  Ground Hornbill Project were she will be released into a family and back into the wild .

Staff of the Johannesburg Zoo

 

 

  

Above: Hadeda

Other & special thanks:

I would like to give a special thanks to Mike and Marjike Long from Dornview, Berkshire, United Kingdom for helping and contributing to obtaining the premises from which the rehabilitation centre operates.  They helped to make a dream come true and for Crag's View Wild Care Centre to be active involved in assisting our indigenous wildlife on the lower south coast of KZN, South Africa. 

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In memory of Nevill Lyte

I met a very special gentleman end of 2007, Nevill Lyte.  Him and his wife, Linda came to see me at CVWCC with a special request.  They wanted to "adopt" an animal in memory of "Chiswi" a pet (dog) which was naturally very close to their harts.  I will always remember the expression of passion and love in Nevill's voice when he spoke about Chiswi.... In memory of Nevill, Linda adopted a very special female grey duiker called, Riemie. 

 

 

Above: Grey Duiker

 

Above: Warthog 

 

 
 
 		 Some advice on how to handle a bird or animal when it seems abandoned or injured

  • First observe the bird or animal to make absolutely sure that it is definitely injured or orphaned.  Most of the time, the parents is foraging in the area.

  • If orphaned, but not injured, put the chick back into its nest or in a container in the same vicinity.  Spend some time to see if the parents are coming back to feed the chick.  Most bird will not ignore the chick, even if it was handled by a human.

  • Remember, the parents can teach their offspring all the survival and feeding habits, which we as caretakers cannot compete with!

  • The best way to transport a bird or mammal, are to put them in a box (check if strong enough e.g. blue duiker adult might put his horns through it or manage to jump out if not well secured).  Make sure it fits in it comfortably with not to much excess space which can lend to more injuries.  A basket works well with birds and can be covered with a towel to keep the stress levels down.  Line the box or basket with newspaper or towels (please do not use cotton wool).

  • When rescuing any bird or animal, please remember that stress is a very negative factor.  Put them in a quiet spot with as little as possible human contact while making transport or collection arrangements.

  • If injured, as far as possible, take the bird or animal to the closest vet.  Once stabilized, we will collect it from the vet for further care.

  • When a baby antelope seems very quiet or weak, please get it urgently to the vet.