Bushbaby on the road to recovery at wildlife centre

THE Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) is pleased to announce that Julian, the bushbaby in their care that has been undergoing weeks of intensive rehabilitation, is thriving.

Bushbabies are omnivorous, nocturnal mammals and are also called galagos. They are small, saucer-eyed primates that spend most of their lives in trees. They are also known as nagapies, which means ‘night monkeys’ in Afrikaans.

Also read: WATCH: Duiker treated and released into the wild

Crow’s operations director and herpetologist, Clint Halkett-Siddall, said, “It is the support of donors and positivity that has fuelled the bushbaby’s incredible journey. Julian’s big, bright eyes now shine with resilience and curiosity as he slowly recovers in our rehab centre.

“We thank those who support us which enables us to ensure that we help every animal that comes through our doors. Every donation counts. Donations cover the costs of animal feed, medical assistance as well as fuel for our rescue and release vehicles,” Halkett-Siddall said.

To donate, visit www.crowkzn.co.za

Did you know?

• Along with their big eyes, which help them see in low light, bushbabies are adapted to nocturnal living with their large, collapsible ears that rotate independently like radar dishes to zero in on prey in the dark.

• The animals are ace jumpers, using powerful legs and extremely long tails to spring great distances. This allows the primates to move quickly through the forest canopy or snatch flying insects out of the air.

• Bush babies have evolved to survive in nearly every kind of habitat on the continent.

• They are omnivores and eat fruit, insects, and the gum that oozes out of certain tree species. Some of the larger species will even hunt small animals, such as frogs and birds.

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