Mismanagement causes FreeMe shut-down

There has been much controversy surrounding the sudden closure of FreeMe Wild Life Rehabilitation Centre on 10 November.

FreeMe Wild Life Rehabilitation Centre opened its doors in 1997 and caters for the rehabilitation of thousands of birds, mammals and reptiles. According to their website, “Most veterinarians do not have facilities to cater for wildlife, leaving would-be rescuers unable to determine what to do with them. FreeMe has filled this gap.”

Margie Brocklehurst worked at FreeMe from 1997 to 2009 as the financial director, public relations officer and for five years as the CEO. “When I was there it was absolutely wonderful and we had the biggest income as well as growing our species list,” said Brocklehurst.” She explains how in July this year she had been approached by about 90 ex-volunteers and staff to intervene regarding the new management of the centre. Some of the complaints she received was that of mismanagement of staff and the wildlife clinics. “I have over 50 signed affidavits from volunteers and ex-staff dealing with many of the serious issues that have arisen.

“The management are trying to manage a wildlife centre with no wildlife training. They have made life incredibly difficult for the experienced staff and have made it impossible to work efficiently and ethically,” added Brocklehurst. Since then an online petition was created making a call to current board members, Margo Bansda, Ros Gerber and Shathi Govender to resign with immediate effect. It reads, “The incumbent board has been derelict in their duty to FreeMe and our wildlife.” Furthermore it states, “This is a vote of no confidence in the current board. We need a passionate and experienced wildlife rehabilitation and management team to take control and re-open FreeMe for the sake of our urban wildlife.”

A former employee (who wishes to remain anonymous) and who worked at FreeMe for 11 years, said everything is different now. “The important issue here is the animal’s welfare. I myself have witnessed the caging of mixed species – especially in the case of pigeons and doves.” It was explained by Brocklehurst that wild pigeons or doves carry a disease, called Trichomoniasis, which is highly contagious. She and the employee further stated how each bird should be tested rigorously in order to make sure that the disease is not spread to healthy birds.

The employee said, “The trained volunteers were not allowed to treat or handle the animals – especially the ones that needed extra care (who would usually be cared for by volunteers) and have not been receiving the necessary medication or treatment.” According to FreeMe website, “Volunteers are an integral part of FreeMe. Any of your talents will be useful. Much of the work, at FreeMe, is done by volunteer – both the morning and afternoon volunteers feed, clean and nurse patients in the clinic and aviaries.”

The employee continued, “I witnessed the new clinic manager releasing a brown house-snake in the clinic to get rid of the mice. This is so dangerous, both for the snake and the other animals and staff using the clinic.” The employee further testified to how the animals were not getting enough sunlight (Vitamin D) or enough food. “There is so much unnecessary paperwork and authorisation issues that we need to obtain before anyone is allowed to handle or move between enclosures.”

FreeMe released a statement on their website where they explain their closure as being attributed to – “Recent changes in rehabilitation staff; the recent events and activities that have taken place at FreeMe over the last few months, have resulted in many inspections and meetings that have taken place with the NSPCA and Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD). These meetings have resulted in FreeMe having to re-apply for its permit to operate as a wildlife rehabilitation centre.”

They further state, “FreeMe voluntarily requested a temporary closure which included the suspension of admissions as requested by GDARD.” Their current cases are still being treated and released under the guidance of the NSPCA.”

FreeMe was contacted numerous times and comment is still outstanding.

According to Brocklehurst, FreeMe was compelled to close, they did not request it.

The NSPCA said due to a number of events and incidents reported they and GDARD held numerous inspections and meetings at the centre. They, “[were then] suddenly overwhelmed by concerns and unhappiness expressed by volunteers and staff regarding the day-to-day operational side of the centre, changes being implemented, care being provided or the lack thereof and the management of cases.” According to them the operational permit had become invalid. GDARD closed FreeMe and “called a halt to operations until such time as new proposals and applications have been received and approved”.

NSPCA said, “Rehabilitation of animals must not be undertaken by just anyone – it requires specialist skills and experience to rescue, rehabilitate and release animals.” They further explained how, “too many wild animals end up permanently in cages as a result of rehabilitation attempts by people with good intentions but who lack the experience”. They commented that anyone involved in the rehabilitation of wild animals is required to obtain a permit in terms of the conservation legislation. NSPCA added, “[We are] opposed to any degree of confinement which may cause distress or suffering and firmly believe that wild animals are wild and that’s where they belong.”

Details: FreeMe, 011 807 6993 or NSPCA, nspca@nspca.co.za or 011 907 3590.