ICYMI: Support the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital
GLENFERNESS – The hospital's monthly running costs are around R180 000 and they rely on donations to keep going.
The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, based in Glenferness, appeals to the public to support their valuable work through donations and support in kind.
The hospital is a dedicated wildlife-only facility aimed at improving the quality of treatment, survival rate and success rate of rehabilitation of small to medium-sized indigenous South African wildlife.
Part-owner and senior veterinarian at the hospital Dr Karin Lourens explained that the facility functions as a non-profit organisation and is funded by donations.
“We only see indigenous wildlife, no owners, therefore we don’t have clients either,” said Lourens.
The hospital’s monthly running costs are around R180 000, so they need as much help as they can get.
During the lockdown, the hospital has operated with a smaller staff component and only a core group of volunteers.
“We are not taking any new volunteers during Level 5 and 4, only again when it is Level 3. Luckily, we are used to washing our hands and cleaning surfaces on a regular basis, we are all wearing masks now as well.”
Lourens shared stories concerning some of the patients currently at the hospital.
“What stands out at the moment are the four baby genets. They were found without their mother and all attempts to reunite them with her failed, so they are now being bottle-fed by one of our experienced volunteers.
“We also recently assisted with a large water monitor from Helderfontein Estate. It had a tin can stuck over its head and we moved it and made sure it didn’t have any serious injuries before we released it. It was released back where it came from and it has been spotted in the area again soon after.”
Lourens invites the public to call the hospital at any time on their 24-hour number (071 248 1514) if they find a wild animal in distress.
“Often it is better to call first before anything else as sometimes the animal does not in fact need help. If it does, however, we can explain what to do and also advise if it needs to come to the hospital.”
Visit www.johannesburgwildlifevet.com/our-wishlist.html to view their wish list.
