Of the hundreds of laughing doves the JWVH has hand-raised and released, Mama Nonsense decided to stay. Now, it seems she will be raising her littles there too!
Johannesburg, South Africa (05 November 2026) – The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH) looks after the city’s wildlife. Each year, it admits an influx of fledgling and feathered friends that need help.
Many are baby birds rescued from prowling cats, or little chicks that become separated from the nest without a way back.
One of them was Mama Nonsense.
“Of the hundreds of laughing doves we have hand-raised and released over the years, Nonsense decided that leaving was… well, nonsense.” the JWVH shares.
The team had raised her from a tiny hatchling. When the time came for her to fly free, though – she chose to stay. Life at the hospital suited her just fine.
“She has since appointed herself an unofficial member of the JWVH team. Her duties mostly involve sitting (and pooping) on Dr K’s computer, supervising our work and providing emotional support whenever she feels it is required.” the JWVH adds.
The team did wonder, sometimes, whether Nonsense had imprinted on them a little too much to live her best bird life. That worry was put to bed recently, when the hospital’s resident laughing dove gave her human family the sweetest surprise.
“Turns out we needn’t have worried. Because look who we found nesting on one of our bookshelves…”
Mama Nonsense has two tiny, brand-new babies! The JWVH team says they’re behaving like ridiculously proud grandparents.
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And, so, that is how Joburg’s Wildlife Veterinary Hospital now has a small family of doves, happily living on its bookshelf!
Once, Mama Nonsense was just a fledgling that needed help. A special band of humans cared for her and made sure she’d reach adulthood – because every life deserves a chance. A most wonderful reminder, delivered by a dove.
“Every little life matters. Not only the rare ones. Not only the endangered ones. Not only the charismatic, impressive or ‘cool’ ones. Sometimes it’s a common little garden dove who steals your heart, chooses your hospital as her home… and starts a family on your bookshelf.” the JWVH ends.
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