Johannesburg Wildlife Vet assists caracal kitten

The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in Glenferness welcomed a caracal kitten to their facility after she was reportedly found alone in a rural area.

Wildlife rehabilitation specialist and director at the hospital Nicci Wright said, “While it would be best for her to be reunited with her mother and litter mates, this was unfortunately not possible in this case.”

Wright said that when the caracal was brought to the facility, she was clinically healthy, apart from mild dehydration. “Fortunately, she has an excellent appetite and fierce attitude.”

Wright explained that veterinarian Dr Karin Lourens conducted a full examination to establish the caracal’s state of health. Since then, she has been given a hiding place which is safe and stress-free.Her diet is made up of natural prey items such as rodents and dead birds.

”This is what she would have been weaned onto by her mother and will satisfy her nutritional needs.”The hospital will collaborate with the Humane Society International to facilitate the caracal’s release at the appropriate time.

“Once the caracal has reached the right development age and stage to be able to open prey carcasses on her own i.e. de-feather birds, open dead scrub hares and other items then she will go into a pre-release enclosure.”

Wright explained that the enclosure will be in situ on a suitable, safe reserve. She will stay there for a few months to acclimatise to the sights, sounds and smells of the wild while being support fed.”Once she has completely settled, the gate will be opened and she can leave the enclosure.

She will be support fed for as long as is needed when she is out to ensure that she is managing,” said Wright.Community members are encouraged to support the work of the hospital through donations. The facility treats indigenous animals free of charge.

For more information, visit www.johannesburgwildlifevet.com/how-you-can-help.html