Veterinarians rescue stray kudu bull near Tshwane Airport

Wildlife veterinarians from the University of Pretoria’s veterinary faculty recently rescued a stray kudu bull in the north of Pretoria, towards the Wonderboom Airport.

The faculty’s wildlife clinic was contacted about a vagrant kudu bull wandering on Airport Road in Doornpoort, Pretoria on Friday, June 14.

The faculty then dispatched its wildlife vets to the area and fortunately found the bull relatively calm behind a bush.

According to wildlife veterinarian Dr Jacques O’Dell, who was at the scene, the bull had some minor injuries with some bleeding that was noticeable on its mouth.

“Members of the Tshwane Metro Police (TMPD) then temporarily stopped traffic so the kudu could be darted.”

O’Dell said after a preliminary examination, a decision was taken to transport the bull to the wildlife clinic’s boma at the faculty for observation and treatment of his wounds.

“Still under general anaesthesia, the kudu was transported to the faculty on a member of the public’s truck while the TMPD escorted the truck and the vets to Onderstepoort.”

Dr O’Dell said the kudu is doing well where it is currently in the wildlife clinic’s boma.

He said the kudu’s wounds were mainly caused by his attempts to get through some fences.

The kudu would be released to a safe place, he added.

“The kudu will be released into the Groenkloof Nature Reserve later this week if it has recovered from its injuries.”

The faculty said the treatment of wild animals is expensive and pleaded with the public for donations.

“If you want to contribute towards the care of the kudu or any other cases you can make a donation.”
Call 012 529 8000 for more information.

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