Waterbuck attacked with panga
A female waterbuck is rescued from Ennerdale and taken to a wildlife rehab centre to recover.
A female waterbuck was rescued from Ennerdale and taken to FreeMe Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre on 25 June. She had multiple wounds on her nose and hind legs which may have been caused by a panga.
Ennerdale is a community situated between Lenasia and Orange Farm, just off the N1 south of Johannesburg. According to Jolene Beyleveld, public relations for the JSPCA, the Johannesburg SPCA Inspectorate, the NSPCA, and a wildlife veterinarian worked together to carry out the rescue operation.
The Ennerdale Community Policing Forum helped keep the crowd at bay while the vet sedated the waterbuck and the SPCA helped load her into the vehicle for transport. She was taken to FreeMe in the Rietfontein Nature Reserve, just off Witkoppen Road in Paulshof.
“She will be under veterinary supervision until she is out of the woods,” said Beyleveld. “She is expected to make a full recovery.”
FreeMe is a specialised treatment, care and rehabilitation centre for indigenous wildlife. It is a self-funded, registered non-profit organisation, which relies solely on the generosity of the public to carry out the work they do. Details: FreeMe office hours 011 807 6993, after hours / emergencies 083 558 5658
Did you know: The apparent foul taste of a waterbuck, caused by the oily waterproofing secretions of its sweat glands, prompts predators to choose other prey.
