FreeMe’s phone line open to the public
PAULSHOF- Although FreeMe Wildlife Rehabilitation centre has been temporarily closed due to the reapplication of a permit to operate as well as to do renovations, their phone lines are still open and they welcome calls from the public.
Karien Schmidt of FreeMe said, “Closing the doors to admissions does not mean that the lives of wild animals are no longer in danger or threatened, in fact, it is exactly the opposite.”
The centre has been temporarily closed since 10 November last year and is in the process of reapplying for its permit to rescue, rehabilitate and release wildlife animals. During this period of respite, the organisation took advantage of the opportunity and has been in the process of refurbishing the reception, and treatment and recovery rooms.
According to Schmidt, the rehabilitation centre’s telephone lines have not stopped ringing since the summer season started. “We continue to receive calls, give out advice and guidance to assist and educate the public in many cases, some are emergencies and others for basic information.
“Some case examples were a red-knobbed coot [species of bird] that was found stranded in a man’s garden that took refuge in the pool after being chased by the man’s dog. Another case was of a woman who claimed her gardener saw a leopard in the garden one night after it triggered the alarm. The woman even took photos of the paw prints left in the soil.”
Schmidt added that the centre had been active during its closure. “We have been passing injury cases to our local vets who continue to support FreeMe as they have done in the past. Alternatively, we have referred other cases to partner rehabilitators in and around Johannesburg who have been highly supportive and have filled the much-needed void at short notice,” Schmidt said.
“This period has not been easy for the rehabilitation centre which has experienced difficulties in maintaining the existence of the organisation and its animals, amidst tough economic times.”
Schmidt added that the centre needed assistance. “We are asking both businesses and individuals who can offer services in advertising, marketing, sponsorships and maintenance or those that can donate used appliances to kindly contact the centre directly in this regard.”
The centre advised people that should they find an indigenous animal in need or would like to participate in other ways to please contact them.
Details: info@freeme.org.za; 011 807 6993; 083 558 5658.
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