Conservationists Come to The Rescue of Nyalou the Nyala!
DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage

This is a story of how a Nyala called Nyalou, was saved and treated when he was found limping in the bush.

 

Hoedspruit, South Africa (03 June 2021) – Nyalou joined the DAKTARI Family in 2016 as an orphan; he had been left alone by his mom for two days in the bush.

Ian and Michèle Merrifield officially opened DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage in 2006. But it was a long road to make that happen! They met while Ian was working as a game ranger at Tshukudu Game Lodge, and Michèle was volunteering there. While hand-raising injured zebras, wildebeest, and warthogs, Ian and Michèle fell in love.

“Michèle had long dreamed about living in Africa and taking care of the wildlife. When she met Ian, she was able to realise that dream. They left Tshukudu after getting married and opened a restaurant in Hoedspruit to start raising capital for their own wildlife orphanage. While there, Ian and Michèle helped raise a local boy named Thabo. He had almost no knowledge or understanding of his native wildlife and the environment. Therefore, Ian and Michèle began using the animals in their care to teach him. Thabo’s understanding of conservation was typical of children in Limpopo, and the idea of adding a bush school was born.”

And this Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage is where many animals get a second chance in life, including the beautiful buck!

Conservationists Come to The Rescue of Nyalou the Nyala!
DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage

Nyalou was in desperate need of help, and without any hesitation, Michele cared for him and bottle-fed him. With a lot of patience, dedication and love, Nyalou got healthy and strong. He was eventually released on the reserve, where he now roams wild and free.

“As a result, all our volunteers and visitors get the chance to see this magnificent animal up close. He makes DAKTARI very special.”

A few weeks ago, the team discovered that Nyalou was limping, and they took a closer look at what may be the problem; they discovered that his front leg was swollen, making it difficult for him to walk freely around the farm.

“We acted quickly as he needed medical attention and reached out to potential donors to contribute towards his medical treatment. The campaign was a success. In three days, we raised enough for Dr Rogers from Provet in Hoedspruit to come and treat him.”

Dr Rogers found that a thorn got in between his hooves, probably a sickle bush thorn.

The doctor arrived in the afternoon and darted him. Once Nyalou was asleep, the vet treated the wound and gave him various medicines to help combat the infection and, in addition, gave him flea treatment.

Nyalou is doing fine and has since been seen walking around the farm, seemingly pain-free.

Conservationists Come to The Rescue of Nyalou the Nyala!
DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage

Sources: DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage
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Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.

Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

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