Veterinary Hospital finds a suitable release site
The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital identified Steyn City's indigenous parkland as an ideal site to release rehabilitated wild animals.
The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH) has identified Steyn City’s indigenous parkland as an ideal site to release rehabilitated wild animals. The Porcupine Park Nature Reserve is 2 000 acres of indigenous parkland that is rich with over a million planted trees and shrubs endemic to the region, and according to Wendy Wilson of the JWVH, it serves as the perfect place to release their rehabilitated animals.
“Reintroducing an animal into the wild can be a complex exercise that requires a great deal of care and consideration. They must be set up for success and be given an opportunity to become accustomed to a new natural habitat and finding their own food after spending time recovering from treatment and being cared for in the hospital setting. Steyn City’s parkland is the ideal location for a supported release where they can ease back into their old lives,” said JWVH’s Wendy Willson.
The announcement comes after the organisation successfully released two rehabilitated animals into Steyn City’s parkland. The first was Fazal, a young fledgling black-winged kite who had been found grounded and in danger. Although Fazal was very dehydrated, he was not injured and after treatment he spent a month in the hospital’s flight enclosure, working on his flying skills. Fazal was ringed and released into Steyn City’s parkland on July 7 and has already been spotted on a few occasions.
Fazal was joined by a young porcupine, fondly christened Petunia, who had severe degloving injuries on both hind legs. The animal’s treatment included pain management, regular bandage changes, and a course of antibiotics to prevent infection. Petunia the porcupine had a longer ‘soft release’ compared to Fazal and was kept in an enclosure in the parkland where she received support feeding while she got comfortable with her new home before deciding to roam free.
Porcupine Park, a nature reserve, is an integral part of the Steyn City development, which allows residents to create a connection with nature. “It is a great privilege to be able to access this piece of unspoiled nature in the middle of one of Johannesburg’s urban hubs. We are very excited to have this partnership in place, with people who appreciate and protect their wildlife,” said Willson.
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