More wildlife being injured as lockdown eases on the North Coast

As the nationwide lockdown continues to be eased, more and more wild and domestic animals are being harmed on the roads.

Wildlife seem to have grown accustomed to quiet streets and now, with life returning to normal, these animals have become almost unfamiliar with vehicles, says a North Coast rescue centre.

Flag Animal Farm, a depot for the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow), is doing its best to save as many injured animals as possible.

“We are finding the number of animals being dumped at our gate and brought in is increasing,” Genevieve Chisholm of Flag Farm said, adding that they have rescued bushbuck and even bush babies.

Genevieve said lockdown had been a type of cruel kindness to wildlife, allowing many species to roam freely without human interaction but now having to readjust to competing with traffic.

The surge in injuries has increased the farm’s desperation to reopen so that they too can once again earn an income to fund their rescue operations.

ALSO READ: North Coast animal shelter struggles as lockdown dries up funds

Should you come across an injured bird, Genevieve recommends that you place the bird into a cardboard box and make sure it stays warm.

However people should not attempt to feed young birds.

Feeding a bird which is cold could also result in the bird drowning.

However, if you are experienced, Genevieve said any type of porridge was a good choice.

“Make sure that it is dark in order to make the environment as stress-free as possible. Stress can kill birds,” said Genevieve.

Injured animals may be taken to the farm for temporary safekeeping.

Call Genevieve at 071 674 1192 or contact Crow at 031 462 1127.

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