Termination of calf deemed an honest mistake

MARLOTH PARK – On September 11, rangers, residents and two vets attended to an injured kudu calf only to see their efforts destroyed the next day.

The kudu calf had been mistakenly terminated due to conflicting communication, the municipality insisted at a meeting held on September 26.

It was alleged that two vets came to the aid of the kudu, one on the municipality’s pay role from Nelspruit and one from Malalane, not listed on the role.

According to honorary ranger Alison Fitzgerald who attended the meeting between the property owners, municipality and ranger, the vet from Malalane was paid by residents.

She shared the discussion of the incident at the meeting with Corridor Gazette, “It was evident that two kudu calves from the same herd, had been reported at the same time, both with foot injuries.

Conflicting information was given and was a contributory factor to the calf being wrongly identified.”

She added, “Also based on information reported to the duty ranger regarding the condition of the calf (that it was not eating or drinking and had not moved for three days), it was deemed that the animal was suffering.”

That information was allegedly given to the ranger by a homeowner.

“All the rangers are extremely concerned about this mistake and acknowledge that this situation could have been handled differently. They also wish to express their gratitude for the help and support that people show towards the wildlife.

As a result, it has been agreed that all animals that are treated will be ear tagged and recorded. This will ensure easy identification in future and will also enable rangers to follow up on the animals’ progress.

It was suggested that the rangers make use of picture messaging facilities via mobile phones in order to access the urgency to attend to reports on animals injuries.

This will help to reduce their work load and attending unnecessary call-outs.

Further discussion regarded how the Wildlife Fund and rangers could work together in future and it was agreed that it would be useful to hold regular meetings to discuss the welfare needs of park’s wildlife.

It was agreed by all that this was a very positive meeting and that no one was to blame for this unfortunate incident and that it had been due to numerous contributory factors,” Fitzgerald explained.

She added, “Although people may be upset about the whole incident and loss of money, it has highlighted problems that the rangers face and we can all learn from this and work together.”

Lorinda Steenkamp, also a resident of Marloth Park said, “I paid R1 000 for that kudu’s treatment. Of course I was upset when I heard what happened, but after I spoke to the rangers myself and saw how bitterly sad they were about what had happened, I cannot hold it against them. It was an honest mistake. At least we have all learned from this mistake and are going to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.”