Wildlife Vet Encourages People to Call When Finding Baby Animals

Photo Credit: Ashleigh Pienaar / JWVH

The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital recently took in a young Large-Spotted Genet that had been found as a kitten and handraised; they are getting it ready to go back to the wild.

Johannesburg, South Africa (22 June 2022) – Living in South Africa means we often live alongside nature and the animals that call our communities home. Sometimes, those animals find themselves injured or sickly and in need of help. It is important to know that you should rather call an animal welfare organisation than try and treat the animal yourself.

The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital works with indigenous animals and takes any animals in need. They recently took to social media to urge the public to reach out when finding a wild animal.

They took in a large-spotted genet that had been raised by a member of the public after it was found as a kitten. The genet is in good health, and the team is starting her rehabilitation so she can be placed back into the wild.

If you find a wild animal, call the wildlife vet, who will then be able to offer advice for keeping the animal safe while transporting it to the vet. Should you not be near the wildlife vet, they will be able to direct you to an organisation that can assist.

Baby animals can be properly raised by a professional that will take all the precautions to ensure the animal is able to easily integrate back into the wild.

“This Large spotted genet (Genetta maculata) was found and raised by a member of public. Apart from an old healed fracture, she is in good health. She is eating well and will soon start her slow release process and eventually be released, to live a wild life once more.

We do not advocate the raising of wild animals by anyone other than trained and permitted professionals. If you find a baby bird/animal please contact us on our 24 hour help-line: +27 (71) 248-1514

We treat indigenous animals free of charge, relying solely on the donations and support of our community.”

There are several other ways that people can help too. JWVH accept donations here, or see their full wishlist here. An easy way to get involved is to also nominate them on your MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet rewards card, which you can do so here. Or via direct bank transfer, see their banking details below.