The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital helped rescue a Water Mongoose that was found in a car that had travelled from Mpumalanga to Johannesburg.
Johannesburg, South Africa (08 January 2024) – An employee at the Mccarthy Toyota Midrand got quite the shock when they noticed a tiny little brown face curiously peering out from under their car. Turns out it was a stowaway Water Mongoose that had travelled all the way from their holiday in Mpumalanga.
The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital was called out when the team couldn’t coax the animal out. They shared the amazing rescue on their Facebook page.
“Recently, we had a call from Mccarthy Toyota Midrand. Their team had seen a small animal looking out curiously from underneath one of their employees’ parked vehicles. However, this curious creature rapidly retreated into the car engine cavity when anyone tried to approach it.
Our team took a drive out to their premises where we identified the curious creature as a Water (Marsh) mongoose (Atilax paludinosus). After receiving a little information from the owner of the vehicle, it is likely that this mongoose hitched a ride to Johannesburg from the employees holiday destination: Mpumalanga!
This Water mongoose proved to know her way around that engine far better than us all! After some careful vehicle dismantling, the mongoose was safely caught and transported to the hospital where she was sedated for a medical examination and also treated for dehydration.
Given that she is a relatively young mongoose, we were able to release her in a safe local release site where water mongooses occur. While being a little stubborn at leaving her transport carrier, she eventually ventured out into the marshy surrounds, rattling a few birds with the mere site of her presence! Massive thanks to the very caring and concerned team at Toyota Midrand who were very invested in ensuring that no harm came to this animal and that she got the help she needed.”
The mongoose will go on to live a full life, although, in a new space. And she will have a few exciting stories to share. Thankfully, she is safe now.
They treat indigenous wildlife free of charge, relying solely on the support of the community. If you would like to get involved, you can find details below or check out the website here.
Johannesburg Wildlife NPC
FNB Cheque account
Account nr: 62658400264
Branch code: 255355
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ