AS their slogan goes, the best cage is an empty cage and as such the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) recently emptied a cage.
Occupied by a Southern African python for the past 18 months, the team was more than delighted at its release recently.
The centre had the four-metre female in its care to ensure that it was back up to weight before its release into the wild at the Karkloof Nature Reserve.
In a Facebook post, the director at Crow, Clint Halkett-Siddall, said this was a feel-good story and a great start into the new year. He said this particular release was special to him as a reptile fanatic.
“She was rescued in May 2020, so she had been with us for over a year to get her back to ideal weight and good condition. I was excited for her on the day of the release.
“She came in at 12.25kg and at about 20kg, managed to regain her weight and her strength – which is exactly what we want. The nature reserve has nice beautiful vegetation with a stream where she’ll be able to soak in,” he said at the release.
Crow is committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of orphaned and injured wildlife and believes in action and education with regards to the protection of all-natural resources.
Their vision is to be an independent, pioneering force in the rehabilitation and conservation of orphaned and injured wildlife while promoting the preservation of their natural habitat.
The centre is a registered non-profit organisation, meaning it is completely reliant on donations and the generosity of the public to keep doors open. Their philosophy is that even the smallest donation helps the doors to stay open.
To donate or volunteer call 031 462 1127 during office hours, 083 212 5281 after hours or visit www.crowkzn.co.za for more information.
