The long and short of it, is do nothing.

One thing is certain – Lowvelders love their animals.  With this love however, comes great urge to rescue animals which are seemingly in need.

An example of such, is when a bird falls from its nest. When you spot such small, vulnerable creatures alone on the ground our first instinct might be to pick them up and care for them. However, this isn’t always the best thing to do and can actually reduce their chance of survival. Well-meaning people might think they are rescuing a baby bird by picking it up, but most of the time it is better to leave it alone.

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Van Wijkstraat Dierehospitaal recently on Facebook urged the public not to intervene! “Chances are that you will do more harm than good,” the post stated.

“When you come across a helpless-looking baby bird out of its nest, it’s hard to resist the overpowering urge to come to the rescue. It is however sometimes best to do nothing.

“Many birds that people try to rescue are still being cared for and we the vets at Van Wijkstraat Dierehospitaal urge the community to rather leave them be,” the post further states.

“If you do, however, see its nest close by, you can return the nestling back to safety, or simply move it out of harm’s way.”

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