The dedicated team at CROW gives injured, orphaned, and displaced animals a fighting chance at returning to the wild.
Durban, South Africa (05 August 2024)—The Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing orphaned, displaced, and injured wildlife.
It is the oldest wildlife rehabilitation centre in South Africa, committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wildlife.
Bushbabies find care and refuge.
In June, the centre received 14 lesser bushbabies (seven males and seven females) from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. The animals were surrendered by a member of the public who had kept them illegally for 11 years on a farm in the Port Edward area without the necessary permits.
“Upon their arrival at our centre, our nurses discovered that two of the 14 bushbabies required urgent medical attention. An older female had infected bite wounds on her head, which we treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
“A male bushbaby had an eye injury that will be further examined by an eye specialist. Lesser bushbabies are not endemic to KwaZulu-Natal, and it is crucial to remember that wild animals should not be kept as pets,” shared CROW’s fundraising and marketing manager, Denika Govender who explained that they can become dominant and aggressive.
Once the necessary permits and flights are arranged, these bushbabies will be transferred to another rehabilitation centre in Gauteng, where they are endemic.
Fighting for wildlife
Denika Govender further shared about the reality of working at a wildlife NPO and how rewarding it was to see the animals they care for return to their natural habitat, healthy and thriving.
“Knowing that our efforts have given them a second chance at life is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, witnessing the animals’ recovery process and their resilience is truly inspiring and makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
While working to rescue and nurse wildlife back to good health is rewarding work, it comes with its fair share of challenges.
For Denika, the hardest part of working at CROW is dealing with the emotional toll of seeing animals in distress and suffering.
“Despite our best efforts, there are times when we cannot save every animal, and losing one can be very difficult.
“Additionally, the constant need for funding and resources to keep our operations running smoothly can be challenging, as it directly impacts the number of animals we can help.”
On average, CROW is able to release around 3,000 – 4,000 animals back into the wild each year. This number can vary depending on the types of animals they receive and the severity of their injuries.
The goal is always to ensure that the animals are fully rehabilitated and return back to the wild where they belong.
CROW’s mission is a constant battle against limited resources. It is currently running its annual ‘Walk in the Wild 2024’ 5km walk event, which will take place on Sunday, 25 August.
The event is a significant fundraiser for CROW and helps raise awareness for wildlife.
They also have their 2025 calendar project coming up soon, which features amazing wildlife photography. The proceeds go toward upkeep and the commendable work the centre does.
How you can help CROW
CROW, as a registered not-for-profit organisation, depends entirely on donations and the kindness of the public to maintain its operations.
Donations
“Financial contributions or in-kind donations are crucial for funding our operations, medical supplies, and veterinary costs. Every contribution, regardless of size, is crucial in ensuring that our doors remain open,” Denika said.
Become a CROW Guardian
You can join the dedicated group of monthly donors who consistently support CROW’s ongoing efforts. For as little as R50 per month, become a Guardian and enjoy exclusive updates, special offers, and a chance to win a bush getaway!
Local and International Volunteering
Offering time and skills to assist with animal care, administrative tasks, or events.
Education
Encourage schools to participate in our educational programmes to learn about wildlife conservation and the importance of rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Corporate Sponsorships
Businesses or individuals can sponsor specific animals or projects. Corporate sponsors can also enjoy exclusive benefits.
Participating in Events
Joining CROW’s fundraising events, like the ‘Walk in the Wild 2024, helps generate funds for our centre.
Spreading Awareness
Share CROW’s social media posts to raise awareness about our work and the importance of wildlife conservation.
For information about the Durban-based wildlife centre call 031 462 1127 or email info@crowkzn.co.za.
Sources: Nothando Mthembu / CROW
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