Imagine bathing a porcupine? The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital team actually did it after a young adult came in coated in oil.
Johannesburg, South Africa (18 July 2022) – Have you ever thought of how a porcupine takes a bath? The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH) recently had to bathe a young porcupine after it was found coated in oil.
The Brakpan SPCA answered the call to save a porcupine that was trapped in a drain. The team got it out and sent it along to the JWVH. The wildlife vet specialises in treating indigenous wildlife and was only too happy to offer assistance.
When the porcupine arrived, it had a greasy coating and the team needed to wash it off. Not wanting to be on the wrong side of the sharp quills, they sedated the young creature and gave it a thorough bath.
“This sub-adult Cape porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) was transported to us by Brakpan SPCA, after it was found in a drain. The poor youngster was covered in what seemed to be vegetable oil?!
The feisty patient was sedated in order to thoroughly clean off the oil. Thankfully he had no other injuries and his bad (normal) porcupine temper and demeanour quickly returned. He will soon be ready to be released into a safe and suitable area.
Massive thanks Brakpan SPCA for all your assistance in capturing and transporting this patient to us, we appreciate you!
We treat indigenous wildlife, free of charge, relying on the community for donations and support.”
The moral of the story is don’t pour oil down your drain. Not only is it bad for your drain, but it affects animals that use drain systems. If you need an alternative, sprinkle oats into the pan or pot you are using; once the oil has been soaked up, place it in a bokashi system.
We are so happy that this unique creature is back to his usual self. If you would like to support the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital’s treatment and care of wildlife, you can find out how here.
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