THREE Wyebank children have been applauded by the Kloof and Highway SPCA and CROW KZN for taking a long walk to hand over a tortoise to the former organisation.

The Kloof and Highway SPCA in a Facebook post wrote: “We were standing in reception when three young boys walked in, one holding a plastic packet close to his chest. Once inside, we heard something moving in the packet as he carefully opened it to show us a tortoise. 

“Luyanda, Manda and Mnqoa had walked all the way from Wyebank to bring the tortoise to the SPCA because they knew it would be safe with us. The little tortoise has since been taken to CROW where it will receive the care it needs.

“One of our staff members gave the boys a lift home so they didn’t have to make the long journey back in the sun.

“The Kloof and Highway SPCA would like to say a very big thank you to these three young men who kept the tortoise safe and made such a long trip to help. You are true animal heroes and we are so grateful for your kindness.”

The association’s Brigitte Ferguson added: “The tortoise was in a fair condition and was sent to CROW for further rehabilitation and recovery.”

Ferguson said the SPCA wishes to remind members of the public that tortoises are wild animals and that a permit is required for a person to keep one because this animal is not a pet.

“If you find any wildlife such as Egyptian Goslings, Hadedas, Duiker, Dassies or snakes, take them to your local SPCA or directly to CROW,” advised Ferguson.

CROW’s fundraising and partnership officer Denika Govender said the organisation commends the three young children from Wyebank for taking the initiative “to ensure the tortoise’s safety”.

“Their compassion and concern for wildlife are inspiring and demonstrate the important role that members of the public can play in wildlife conservation,” said Govender.

Govender confirmed that the tortoise was collected by CROW’s depot in Assagay.

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“Upon arrival at CROW, the tortoise underwent a thorough veterinary assessment and was found to be in good overall condition. The animal was identified as an adult male Leopald Tortoise, one of South Africa’s most commonly encountered tortoise species,” said Govender.

Govender added that the tortoise will eventually be moved to CROW’s Tortoise Hill enclosure where it will be kept with other male Leopard Tortoises, while it is being arranged that it is eventually released into a suitable natural habitat.

“In recent months, CROW has received a higher-than-usual number of tortoises. This may be due to a combination of factors, including tortoises being kept illegally as pets and subsequently escaping, as well as members of the public picking up tortoises they encounter and bringing them to wildlife centres. While these actions are often well-intentioned, many tortoises do not require intervention,” said Govender.

Govender reminded the public that wild tortoises are naturally adapted to survive in their environment and should generally be left where they are found.

“If a tortoise is encountered in a rural area, nature reserve or game reserve and is attempting to cross a road, motorists should either allow it to cross safely or carefully move it to the side of the road in the direction it was already travelling. Tortoises should never be relocated to a different area as they have established home ranges and may struggle to survive if moved,” cautioned Govender.

She added that if a tortoise is found in an urban area, people are encouraged to contact CROW or any other wildlife rehabilitation centre for advice before taking any action.

“Any tortoise displaying visible injuries, such as a cracked shell, bleeding wounds, burns, or signs of being struck by a vehicle, should be transported as soon as possible to your nearest wildlife rehabilitation centre or vet for treatment,” said Govender.

Govender said these are the most common wildlife species brought to CROW by members of the public, birds and tortoises.

“This would include birds of prey, garden birds, antelope, dassies, genets and other small mammals,” said Govender.

The public are urged to contact their nearest vet or wildlife rehabilitation centre such as CROW for assistance whenever they find an injured wild animal.

“Unnecessary intervention can sometimes place additional stress on wildlife and may reduce an animal’s chances of survival in the wild.

“For wildlife advice or emergencies, members of the public can contact CROW on 031 462 1127 or 083 212 5281,” said Govender.

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