House-warming for mongoose family

A large, heavy wooden box arrived at Rain Farm Game Lodge in a small, Hyundai hatchback, transferred to a game drive truck and driven to a specially selected sandy, spot near the riverbed last week.

The box was treated with extreme care because it housed some special cargo: a family of banded mongooses.

Finally, the big moment had come and it was time for Crocodile Creek‘s Sean Le Clus to release his charges.

“They have lived at Crocodile Creek since they were born and we have taken an incredible liking to them,” said Le Clus about the mongoose family, whose original parents – Mojo, Catchme and Storm – were orphaned around the Ballito area.

He said there are many dangers in the urban environment for these smart, little families and so babies are often left behind by the troop because of interference by humans and their animals.

“If you see a young mongoose stranded, rather lock your animals away and leave it alone for a while. The adults will usually return to collect their young. Mongoose troops are very tight knit. Other troops will not accept the young from another troop, similar to monkeys, where there are often turf wars with other troops.”

The Crocodile Creek crew were thrilled when the newly formed mongoose group had babies.

“The first young mongooses were taught by Mojo how to catch their food, kill it and share it among themselves.”

Le Clus and his staff gradually rehabilitated them to fit back into the wild.

“They have been eating extremely well and are capable of catching all their own prey which includes insects, frogs, millipedes, spiders and occasionally wild fruit as a treat.”

Their enclosure became too small for the whole family and the young started to challenge Mojo, so it was time for them to cut the apron strings and venture out into the big world at Rain Farm Game Lodge.

Rain Farm manager, Armand Buma said they are excited about their new residents.

“They have settled in well and were safe during the heavy rain this week. We gave them their last feed on Tuesday morning. From now on, they have to catch their own meals,” said Buma.

“Doing our part for nature and rehabilitating these little guys is what we are all about. We look forward to seeing them enjoy their new home.”

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