The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital shared a heartwarming update about one of the 70 rescued wild animals; this Serval became a mom and has been able to keep her kittens for the first time in her life!
South Africa (27 March 2023) – In a joint operation alongside the Bloemfontein SPCA, Virginia SPCA and the Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital team aided in rescuing over 70 wild animals being bred for the illegal pet trade. Today, that number has risen as a Serval mom welcomed her kittens into the world.
The wild animals were being kept on a property in the Free State. 70 wild animals were removed from the property and taken to safety by the wildlife vet and SPCA teams. The rescue operation was vital as many of the animals were in incredibly compromised positions. They were sedated to reduce stress and many were found to be starving, riddled with disease, parasite infestation and even self-mutilation as a result of their extreme distress.
Since the rescue, the perpetrator has been charged and there is an ongoing case with the courts. This means the wildlife veterinary team can share some details, but most needs to be kept private for the duration of the case.
The veterinary hospital has helped in caring for the animals and rehabilitating them for release. They promised to share the progress of the animals which include Bat Eared Foxes, Caracals, Servals (including kittens that had been removed from their mother) and more.
One of the rescued pregnant servals has had her litter at the safety of a reserve. This is already a big win for everyone involved.
“We committed to introducing you to some of the animals that benefitted from this gruelling process, and this is one patient we are incredibly elated for! One of the adult female Serval (Leptailurus serval) rescued was heavily pregnant. Following a medical examination, she was placed in a large boma on a reserve with a few other serval to acclimatise to their new environment, ensure they were ready to fend for themselves, and be in the healthy condition that we require prior to release. In her new home, this female gave birth to two kittens. The reserve staff were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this new mom – and we are sharing the photos here. We wonder if this is the first litter of her kittens that she has been able to raise herself?
Due to the sensitivity of this rescue and the ongoing court case, we cannot divulge much more than what we have shared here. We know that our supporters will understand this and know that we want to ensure that we don’t compromise the case in any way.”
The team treats all indigenous wildlife free of charge. If you would like to help them cover the costs of caring for and treating rescued wildlife, you can use the details below.
They treat indigenous animals free of charge, relying solely on donations and support from the community.
Food donations can be purchased here: https://silkwormshop.co.za/…/johannesburg-wildlife-vet/ – The shop will deliver to the wildlife vet on your behalf.
Or if you can donate a monetary sum, please see below.
BANK DETAILS:
Johannesburg Wildlife NPC
FNB Cheque account
Account No: 62658400264
Branch code: 255355
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ
SNAPSCAN: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/PXMP5766
PAYPAL: paypal.me/joburgwildlifevet
Lastly, please remember the only place a wild animal should be, is in the wild. They are not pets and they should not be tamed, no matter how cute they are. It is also illegal to have a wild animal as a pet.
by 