Help make winter cosy for CROW furry friends

THIS year’s baby season is fast approaching and the Centre for Rehabilitation for Wildlife (CROW) is stocking up on supplies for all the little animals in its care. Items like baby formula, Nestum Rice Cereal, baby bottles and brushes and electrical heating pads are in need for the upcoming season.

“Apart from our baby season wish list, we have a wish list of items that are needed all year round such as baby blankets and towels, old or new, serviettes, fruits and vegetables, bird seed, dog pellets and biscuits, carpet tiles, cleaning detergents and black plastic vegetable crates. We have a dream list which consists of new or second-hand laptops for the staff at CROW, as many of our computers are outdated and they have started giving up the ghost,” said marketing and communications officer, Lana Bartholomew.

She added that the centre is also in need of volunteers who can help answer the phone at their reception area especially during the busy baby season, but also all year round. “One can choose a day to come through to the centre, therefore it doesn’t have to be an everyday commitment. We also need to add to our list of depots and couriers who can become a drop-off point when we can’t get out to those areas immediately. If anyone is interested in becoming a depot, they can contact info@crowkzn.co.za to find out more on how to become involved,” she said.

CROW admits a variety of different species be it mammals, birds, reptiles or primates each year. There are numerous reasons why these animals are admitted, ranging from injury, displacement or having been orphaned or abandoned. Lana emphasised the three critical questions to consider when finding wildlife for rehabilitation.

“The three S’s are be sure, be safe, and reduce stress. Be sure that the animal needs to be rescued, when it comes to antelope, the mother would often leave the baby in a safe place while she goes and forages for food and will return to them later. It is best to check on the little one a while after to see if it is still there or contact your nearest rehabilitation centre or animal specialist to advise you.”

Safety is another aspect to consider when confronted with an injured animal, they are wild animals after all and can cause substantial injury to an individual. She said CROW has trained and experienced staff who use specialised equipment to capture the animals that don’t cause injury to themselves or the animal.

“And lastly, reduce stress to the animal as far as possible. This can be achieved by placing a bird in a well-ventilated box and keeping it in a warm quiet place and to limit human contact with the animal as well. They may seem calm, but they are incredibly scared of humans and stress can be detrimental to their health,” explained Lana.

The amount of animals admitted to CROW varies from month to month and season to season. During quieter months, the average is between 150 to 300 animals and during baby season the number increases to between 300 and 500  animals monthly with a large percentage being infants.

“All reusable items will be accepted, whether they are used or new. As long as they are in working order and can be used, that is, no cracked or leaky bottles, if towels are threadbare and full of holes, we won’t be able to use them as the threads may cause further injury to the animals. We always disinfect and clean items that are donated before use,” Lana added.

If you would like to volunteer or make a donation to CROW, visit www.crowkzn.co.za, e-mail info@crowkzn.co.za or call 031-462-1127.

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