Wildlife rescue centre for North Coast needs public support
The Ballito operation will be affiliated to the FreeMe Wildlife Centre in Howick.
The North Coast could soon have its own wildlife rescue facility, but public support is needed for that to happen.
FreeMe Wildlife North Coast was officially launched at a glamourous fundraising evening at Zimbali Country Club earlier this month.
But for now the facility is only at the planning stage.
It is affiliated to the FreeMe Wildlife Centre in Howick, which has been taking in and rehabilitating animals for 15 years and has grown to be internationally recognised.
BELOW: Sareen Roberts and Domenique Nidd at the FreeMe Wildlife North Coast fundraiser.
The Howick facility sees over 2 000 animals a year and helps them with a “hands off approach” to ensure they are not tamed and can be seamlessly reintroduced to the wild.
The North Coast centre would do similar work and could greatly boost the protection of and research into local wildlife.
It would take in and stabilise orphaned and injured animals before releasing them back into the wild, or transferring them to the Howick centre for further care.
“Our doors are not open yet but I am working closely with our local vets to help treat any injured wildlife that is reported to me,” said FreeMe Wildlife North Coast co-ordinator, Lindy Elmes.
The fundraising evening on August 2 was a step in the right direction.
Guests dressed to the ‘A Touch of Wild’ theme and enjoyed a presentation from local Emmy Award winning wildlife documentarian, Graeme Duane.
His newest film Connecting with the Wild had the crowd engrossed and proved a perfect accompaniment to the main purpose of the evening.
A highly entertaining auction led by Rob Thunder helped the cause too.
There are still more funds needed before FreeMe Wildlife North Coast has a home however and a suitable piece of land is also being sought.
To support the initiative or find out more information, contact Elmes at 083 607 4498 or visit freemewildlife.org
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