Animal patients flood into Western Cape’s first rescue centre
Already a number of injured and vulnerable animals – in desperate need of help – have received essential care at the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre.
The centre, situated in the Kogelberg Biosphere, received its permit from CapeNature in December. It’s now the first-of-its-kind in the Western Cape – able to take in and rehabilitate animals, with the aim of releasing them back into the wild.
Since opening its doors, the centre has admitted a baby Dassie (Rock Hyrax) that was maimed after being shot with an air rifle. The animal had to be humanely euthanised as it could not recover from its injuries. A number of young Egyptian goslings that were separated from their parents were taken in, and were subsequently released back into the wild once they were old enough. And the centre remains home to two teenage Blue Cranes. These two were orphaned but will be released once they can fend for themselves.
Two years in the making
It took two years from the planning stages, to the official opening of the centre. According to the Kogelberg Biosphere Coordinator, Corlie Hugo, this is a dream that has materialised thanks to the hard work from volunteers.
“We are ecstatic that the centre is now operating. And it’s thanks to the incredible local community, who helped over the past two years to get everything in place. Through the rehab centre the Biosphere will address all three goals of the Man and Biosphere Programme – conservation of biodiversity, economic development and education and training.”
The centre is situated in what was an old, disused building between Betty’s Bay and Pringle Bay. The building is leased from the Overstrand Municipality, who very kindly made it available to the biosphere. It underwent a total overhaul, and today it features a fully functioning emergency clinic and patient recovery room and kitchen, where meals are prepared for indigenous wildlife. Flight enclosures were also erected on the property.
Helping animals affected by human activity
Michelle Watson, who manages the centre, says the initiative is driven by the urgency to deal with growing numbers of injured, orphaned or displaced wildlife.
“Due to the expansion of urban areas, the development of roads and infrastructure, and the resulting habitat loss, many species of birds, mammals and reptiles are impacted by humans in negative ways. The centre helps to address this loss of biodiversity by returning recovered patients back into the wild.”
Watson, who is a permitted wildlife rehabilitator and one of the first South Africans to become certified by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, says rehabilitation practices at the centre are rooted in science and guided by compassion.
The Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre will also educate a new generation of conservationists and rehabilitators, equipping them with essential skills to care for animals in need. Already a free volunteer programme has been established with local people getting involved in rehabilitation. Michelle says, “This team has been involved in mitigating hundreds of wildlife cases, from returning baby birds to their nests, to getting animals veterinary help, to taking part in controlled burn sweeps, and much more. Every day presents different wildlife challenges, highlighting the urgent need for such a rehabilitation centre in the Western Cape.”
Support is essential
Donations from family trusts, anonymous donors, conservation organisations and individuals have been instrumental in the creation of the centre.
Corlie says, “Now the real work starts – not only to manage the centre, but to raise the funds to care for the animals. Especially as we work to establish our centre as a leader in rehabilitation ethics and standards, and to offer training and guidance to students, wildlife rangers and animal welfare organisations.”
Learn more about this important project here, donate on a monthly basis, or to become part of our rescue or volunteer teams and check out the Facebook page: Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife.
GET INVOLVED AND DONATE
Donate to this rescue unit. All funds raised are used to acquire the necessary equipment and to run rescue operations.
