Watch: Muldersdrift community helps rescue nyala
"It's uncommon to see a large buck species like this, usually we find mongoose, hedgehogs and foxes. We have no idea where she came from."
Ruimsig Country Estate had a surprise visit from an unlikely visitor recently when a young female nyala was found bounding around on the empty plots in their area on Tuesday, 7 March. It is believed the majestic animal was spotted by residents of the estate.
Joggers stopped in their tracks to take pictures of the beautiful visitor and bystanders stood in awe of her colourful coat.
Although her sighting was spectacular and entertaining, the residents knew that she had to be relocated as her safety was threatened. They contacted Sharon Palos, the estate manager, to devise a rescue plan.
Watch the video here:
Sharon went out of her way to ensure the safety of the doe – going to the scene to ensure the nyala was safe. Then she contacted the SPCA, who arrived on scene with a vet shortly after.
“She seemed quite happy lying in the shade of a tree on the quiet estate, looking at the spectators,” said Mandy Cattnach, Manager of Roodepoort SPCA.
The team of vets and SPCA members carefully darted her, and covered her head with a blanket to keep her from becoming distressed.
“Darting is a precision job because the tranquilisers vets use are very strong and dangerous to humans,” said Mandy. “A misfire could injure bystanders.”
The doe was transported to the Letamo Game Reserve in Kromdraai, where she was introduced to a herd of other nyalas. She needed to be moved to a nearby area because transporting wildlife can be quite tricky, and she had to be kept cool and quiet. Nyalas are herd animals and need to be with others of the same species.
“It’s uncommon to see a large buck species like this, usually we find mongoose, hedgehogs and foxes,” said Mandy. “We have no idea where she came from, but we are very pleased with everyone who helped save and relocate her.”
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister websites:
Randfontein Herald, Roodepoort Record, Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
