A lone flamingo chick was found abandoned in a hole at a veld in Rustenburg; the chick was rushed to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital for treatment.
Johannesburg, South Africa (14 June 2021) – A Lesser Flamingo chick was found in a hole in Rustenburg. The flamingo chick was dehydrated and underweight. Rescuers were perplexed at how the chick found its way into the hole.
The rescue team took the flamingo to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital for treatment. The wildlife vet specialises in caring for small indigenous animals. Their health checks found the flamingo was in need of food and water to get its strength back.
They have found the little big bird is very happy to eat his meals, aiding in his recovery. The One Meal initiative established by the vet helps feed all the little patients until they are strong enough for soft release. By breaking down their dietary costs into one meal costs, people can easily forgo a coffee to provide one meal to an animal in need. You can find out more here.
“This juvenile Lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) was found in a hole in the veld near Rustenburg. He arrived at our hospital, a little underweight and slightly dehydrated. We have no idea how he ended up where he did.
He has improved markedly in the last few days and is now eating his special flamingo-mix with gusto. Once he is 100% healthy, he will enter the next stage of his rehabilitation process.”
Take a look at this beautiful flamingo chick below. Once he is fully recovered, he will be released into a larger enclosure that will probably have a few friends for him to join. From there, the great big world awaits!
You can make a donation via direct deposit using the details below or find other ways via their website here. The vet treats indigenous animals free of charge, relying solely on the donations and support of their community.
Johannesburg Wildlife NPC
FNB Cheque account
Account: 62658400264
Branch Code: 255355
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ
Or via SnapScan: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/PXMP5766