Goslings recovered from drain
The rescue operation commenced after the SPCA received a call from a community member on May 7 who saw the goslings fall into the Centenary Road drain.
After falling into a stormwater drain in Modderfontein three Egyptian Geese goslings were rescued by members of Edenvale SPCA.
The rescue operation commenced after the SPCA received a call from a community member on May 7 who saw the goslings fall into the Centenary Road drain.
Inspector Jade Nel said upon arrival she and cadet inspector Chelsea Meyer could hear the goslings in the pipes.
Although they had a rough idea of where the goslings were, the birds were travelling up and down the pipe connecting two stormwater drains.
“At first I lay flat on the road and stuck my arm into the drain with a net to try capture one of the goslings, but wasn’t successful.”
After trying to come up with a new plan two staff members from F & A Civils came to the assistance of the SPCA staff.
Nel said the men took a car jack and lifted the concrete block covering the drain.
Once lifted sufficiently the men manoeuvred the block by hand.
“Chelsea jumped into the drain fully clothed and up came her shoes as tried to catch the goslings.”
While in the drain Chelsea was able to capture the three goslings.
“I just did what I needed to be done to help the animals and just climbed into the drain,” explained Chelsea.
Manager of Edenvale SPCA Marita Acar said all of the staff will do whatever it takes to help animals in need, but don’t risk their own lives unnecessarily.
After searching for the goslings’ parents for two hours around Flamingo Dam Nel decided to take the goslings back to the SPCA.
Nel said it was strange that the adult geese could not be located.
“Egyptian Geese are good parents and usually never leave their offspring.”
Nel highlighted that bringing the goslings to the SPCA was a last resort as they wouldn’t survive on their own.
Once at the Edenvale SPCA the goslings were transferred to Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital where they will be cared for by doctors Karin Lourens and Nicci Wright.
“The veterinary staff will feed the goslings and once old enough will release them probably at the Flamingo Dam,” explained Nel.
Marita said SPCA staff have been assisted countless times by businesses, the CPF, Endangered Wildlife Trust, AfriForum and community members.
“In Edenvale, we have many people we can call upon for assistance,” said Marita.
“It makes our jobs easier and is one of the advantages of working in a tight-knit community.” https://youtu.be/aEhkdsA4RzM
