3 genet kittens rescued from tree in Boskruin after mother is killed by a dog
Community comes to the rescue when genet kittens cry for their mother for two days.
Three genet kittens are healthy and happy after being rescued from a tree in Boskruin.
They had been living with their mother up in the tree in a resident’s garden for a few days but when they cried consistently for two days, residents grew concerned and called Friends of Rescued Animals (FORA) for help.
It was later found out that a neighbour’s dog had killed their mother.
FORA’s Linda Scrace shared photos and a video on Facebook of volunteers climbing a ladder to rescue the kittens which were taken to Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in Midrand on October 18.
“When they arrived, we hydrated them. We gave them lots of fluid and have now been feeding them formula,” said the hospital’s director and head of wildlife rehabilitation, Nicci Wright.
“They were about a week old. There were no injuries and they are all healthy and fine.”
Watch the video here.
Volunteer, Lauren Beckley is taking care of the kittens until they are six or seven months old, upon which they will be released somewhere safe.
Wright said it is common for genets to be found in urban areas.
“They are arboreal, which means they live in trees, and they are nocturnal so we do not see them often but they are around.”
She added that genets kill birds and rodents, which helps control pest populations.
She advised this is another reason residents are urged not to use rat poison.
Wherever possible, dogs can also be kept indoors at night to avoid encounters with genets, as well as prevent burglars from giving them poisoned food through the gate or over the wall.
“Thank you to Lauren for her help as well as the community who look after wildlife in their gardens,” Wright concluded.
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