According to Becky Lambert, the clinic nurse at Moholoholo, they were called to a poisoning scene where they were able to save nine vultures. “Along with the vultures we rescued, we found the carcasses of a bush pig, two decomposing hooded vultures, deceased doves, yellow-billed hornbills, and dung beetles.” The next day staff from Moholoholo and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) searched the rest of the farm for more casualties and found two wildebeest (a calf and an adult) snared.
“An investigation is ongoing at this bizarre scene,” she said. She said that the nine vultures that were saved are still under critical care but they are positive they will make a full recovery. A few days later they were called to be on standby after five lions had been found dead with the cause of death suspected poisoning. A full search of the property where the lions were found was carried out to look for vultures that may have been poisoned.
“Sadly, all the vultures found were already deceased.” Moholoholo was also brought a brown eagle snake that was found by a member of the public. Upon clinical examination, the snake presented signs of possible poisoning, most likely secondary poisoning. A few days later, an emergency case was rushed to them after a male African hawk eagle was found almost unresponsive. He passed away within ten minutes of arriving at the centre.
Also read: Fight is on for vultures’ lives after poisoning
He also presented signs of poisoning, Lambert said. Moholoholo said they would like to thank the farmers of Hoedspruit and the surrounding areas for their support in supplying them with farm produce for the centre or call them when they have problems or wildlife concerns. “To date, we have rescued and relocated 11 lions, at least 20 leopards, four brown hyenas, four cheetahs, five spotted hyenas, 40 honey badgers, crocodiles, and pythons, all from farmland. These animals are relocated to reserves,” she said.
She said six leopards were sent to Majete National Park in Malawi and five leopards to Shamwari in the Eastern Cape. “We cover all our own costs and do not have any sponsors but strive to help where we can,” she said. Anyone who would like to donate can contact them at 082 348 7188 or 064 705 3180. They are open seven days a week for wildlife emergencies.
