A DURBAN first responder has rescued and released a Large Spotted Genet that was found in a restaurant at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping last Thursday.

Lindy Elmes, who runs the NPC, Wildlife Rescue, said she wasn’t sure how the nocturnal mammal found its way into the restaurant.

Once rescued, Elmes was able to release the Genet in a green belt nearby.

Also read: Spitting cobra spotted on uMhlanga Promenade

“Thankfully the Genet, which was a full grown adult, was not in need of medical attention. When I caught the Genet, it was panicked and desperately trying to find a way out, he was darting around in a bid to escape. I released him in a green belt nearby because I didn’t want to take him too far away where he wasn’t in familiar surroundings,” she said.

Video footage of the rescue show Elmes moving through the restaurant as the frightened animal tried to hide.

Conservation manager at Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve Basil Pather explained that the Large Spotted Genet is a solitary species.

“They mainly hunt geckos, birds and other bugs. They are found throughout KwaZulu-Natal and are most active at night. They prefer to be hidden and it is unusual to see them in the daytime. With this particular Genet he could have been flushed out by the construction work or something disruptive.

“It could be a result of their habitat becoming smaller. You often find them close to bushy or wooded areas for shelter, which are essential parts of their habitat requirements,” he said.

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook ,X or  Instagram. You an also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here