Little bodies do not handle sedation well, and there is always a risk, but Dr K from the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital managed to save a bushbaby by operating on it.
South Africa (24 August 2022) – Operating on small animals comes with its risks, but sometimes, it can be worth the risk to save a small life. Dr K at the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, operated on a 132g Mohol bushbaby to repair a broken bone.
The Mohol bushbaby was almost a meal, according to the wildlife vet team. Thankfully, it was rescued before it was too badly injured. Dr K was able to insert pins into the broken femur. Since the successful operation, the bushbaby is gaining weight and has been able to put weight on the leg.
The Mohol bushbaby feeds predominantly on insects and gum excreted from trees such as the Acacia, Sweet Thorn and Umbrella Thorn. They are most commonly found in Angola, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with some populations also found in the northernmost tip of South Africa, the eastern parts of Botswana and the western parts of Mozambique.
Now that this bushbaby is picking up weight and recovering well, Dr K will be able to remove the pins as soon as it is fully healed and then the bushbaby will be released back into the wild.
The wildlife vet treats indigenous species free of charge. We always love seeing the little patients that arrive at the vet and are later released back to the wild.
If you would like to support the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital’s treatment and care of wildlife, you can find out how here. The organisation treat indigenous animals free of charge, relying solely on the donations and support of the community.
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