Coming shortly after Wildlife in Crisis had taken in most of the wildlife from FreeMe Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, and in the middle of the busiest time of the year for rehabilitators, as well as a period when many of the experienced people are away, it raised questions about the status and future of the wildlife being cared for at the centre, as well as dealing with the constant influx of new cases needing care.
Vanessa Davis, the centre’s public relations officer, was able to provide reassurance that all the injured and orphaned wildlife are still receiving the best possible care.
“As anyone who has been involved with wildlife rehabilitation can testify, running a centre like this is a mammoth task,” she says.
Judy needs time to deal with the loss of Ken without the 24/7 responsibility of hundreds of birds and animals.
As a result, many of the cases at the centre have been relocated to experienced and qualified volunteers throughout Gauteng, operating under both the Wildlife in Crisis permit, as well as those of other centres.”
Despite the rumours that the centre will be moving closer to Benoni, the decision to move has not yet been taken by Judy.
The centre is currently the largest wildlife rehabilitation centre in Gauteng that has full permits, and has been dealing with approximately 5 000 cases per year.
“We urge the public to help Judy by calling any of the following volunteers when finding wildlife in need:
Jacky Wrighton on 082 415 7855, Wendy Brodie on 083 302 2181 or Natalie Stockenstrom on 082 331 4719.
The call may, in turn, be rerouted to the closest and most capable hands.
Injured wildlife can also be taken to a vet in the area, who will also stabilise and if necessary, treat wildlife, and then make contact with one of the volunteers.
