Community Based Volunteer Organisation Rescue Fourways Jackal

Black-Backed Jackal in the Wild Photo Cred: Supplied | On File

Fourways may look like any other Joburg suburb, but just beyond the garden walls and security gates, wild animals are quietly living among us… and sometimes, they come knocking.

Johannesburg, South Africa (05 February 2021) – We often think of wildlife as something far removed from our daily lives, tucked away in game reserves or safari parks, but in South Africa, wild animals aren’t just in the bush. They’re right here in suburbia… living quietly among us.

From genets darting across roofs, to dassies lounging on rocks, porcupines rustling through gardens, hippos in our rivers, and yes, even jackals trotting through estates… Fourways is full of wild neighbours who’ve learnt to adapt to our ever-growing concrete jungle.

And honestly? That’s not something to fear, it’s something to understand and respect.

One recent encounter reminded us just how wild our suburbs really are. On the 30th of January 2021, Lorian Mumford got the surprise of her life when a black-backed jackal wandered into her home in Fourways. Calmly realising this animal needed help, she contacted Friends of Free Wildlife, a dedicated volunteer organisation that rescues, rehabilitates and releases urban wildlife.

Wendy Brodie, one of the senior volunteers, jumped into action and alerted Claudius Sibanda, the group’s experienced Senior Animal Manager. Within no time, Claudius arrived with the right gear, a calm energy, and a mission: to safely capture and relocate the confused creature.

Thankfully, the jackal had found its way into a small room, which made the rescue much smoother. Claudius assessed the animal, found it in good health, and made the call to release it into a safe natural area, far from traffic, pets, and power lines.

Community Based Volunteer Organisation Rescue Wild Jackal in Fourways! — A very nervous young jackal! Photo Cred: Friends of Free Wildlife

Safely in the crate! Photo Cred: Friends of Free Wildlife

And just like that, the jackal was back in the wild where it belongs.

But here’s the bigger picture: this wasn’t a once-off. Jackals are actually pretty common in the Fourways area. They’re nocturnal, shy and incredibly good at staying under the radar. You’ve probably heard their eerie calls late at night without even knowing it.

They’re not aggressive. They’re not out to hurt us. They’re just trying to survive.

Unfortunately, many wild animals in our suburbs aren’t as lucky as this jackal. As our urban sprawl grows, wildlife increasingly finds itself caught between roads, electric fences and the dangers of domestic life, often with tragic outcomes. Poison, cars, pylons and pets can all be fatal to creatures that are simply trying to live.

So, what can we do? The first and most important thing is this: don’t panic if you see a wild animal in your estate. It’s not an invasion, it’s nature, adapting. Keep your distance. Never feed them. And if the animal is in distress, call the professionals.

Friends of Free Wildlife is one of the many amazing groups doing vital work to make sure our wild neighbours are safe. You can support their work, learn more, or get help by visiting their website.

Because at the end of the day, we don’t just live in Fourways… we share it.