ICYMI: Johannesburg Wildlife Vet assists emaciated serval
GLENFERNESS – The serval is now in an outside enclosure enjoying regular food and sunlight.
The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital is in the process of rehabilitating a dehydrated and emaciated serval who was brought in for assistance on 13 May.
According to the hospital’s wildlife rehabilitation specialist and director Nicci Wright, the hospital received a call from a member of the public, Andre Muller, on 13 May saying that he had discovered the serval at his workplace in Pomona, Benoni.
“Andre had found the serval lying in a weakened state and unable to move when approached. Following my advice, he carefully picked her up and placed her in a cat carrier. We met each other halfway and the serval was transferred into our care,” said Wright.
She said that the serval was examined and treated by Dr Karin Lourens, Dr Kelsey Skinner and Sr Alicia Abbott.
She said that the juvenile serval (Leptailurus serval) was immediately placed on a drip to rehydrate her.
“She was treated for shock and hypoglycaemia with fluid therapy and glucose. A full clinical examination was conducted including a comprehensive blood panel. Luckily, no injuries were noted, but she was emaciated which necessitated a well-calculated high energy recovery diet over several days to prevent re-reading syndrome and to build her strength.”
Wright said that once stabilised, the hospital began feeding her a natural diet which she has relished.
“We also bathed her to clean her diesel-soaked and matted fur.”
The serval is now in an outside enclosure enjoying regular food and sunlight.
Wright said the serval is about five months old and too young to be released yet.
“Once she has completed recovery, she will be placed in a pre-release enclosure on a reserve in a suitable habitat. When she has acclimatised, she will be released and monitored while being support fed.”
The local community is encouraged to support the work of the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital by donating towards food, treatment and care.
Follow them @johannesburgwildlifevet on Facebook to find out more.
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