Basil the Marabou Stork is free once again after being found weak and injured below a power line; his carers pushed to save him and now he is happily back where he belongs.
Limpopo, South Africa (03 June 2024) – Amos Letsoalo from the Endangered Wildlife Trust found a Marabou Stork grounded near some power lines and in desperate need of medical attention. He arranged to get the stork to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital where the team could assess and treat the bird. They named him Basil and began the work to save his life. Today, Basil is free again, having recovered enough to be placed back in the wild.
Amos found Basil in February 2024. Basil was immediately placed on fluids as it was clear he was in a state of shock and dehydrated. He had bruising around his shoulders and pectoral muscles and was having difficulty breathing. The team placed Basil on oxygen and got him stable so they could do a radiograph to determine the extent of his injuries.
Once stabilised, they could see he had fractured his left radius and had fluid in his lungs. Getting him healing was tough; his stress levels were high, but it was clear he had a fight to live. With his radius correctly strapped, he healed well and made some progress. However, he proved to be quite a difficult patient.
“Basil is probably one of the most sentimental animals we have ever worked with. He is incredibly sensitive and when any handling is done he refuses to eat for 2 days afterwards. He can sulk for days and his look of disdain when he disapproves of his food is beyond compare.”
Thankfully, the team persisted in his treatment and before long, he was ready to be placed back into the wild.
“Basil was returned to the same area he came from, near Settlers and Bela Bela in Limpopo and is wearing a unique ID tag on his beak – M2N (white on green, shown in video too).
If anyone sees him do please send us his location and a photo or video on Whatsapp: 071 248 1514. We would love to know how the handsome boy is doing!”
Take a look at the video created to highlight his treatment and progress.
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