Desperate search for baby genets whose mother was hit by car in east
The large spotted genet sustained head trauma when it was struck by a car on the corner of De Ville Bois Mareuil Drive and Atterbury Road.
Rehabilitators, the community and other volunteers have been searching desperately for baby genets whose mother was hit by a car in Faerie Glen on Thursday.
The large spotted genet sustained head trauma when it was struck by a car on the corner of De Ville Bois Mareuil Drive and Atterbury Road.
Senior rehabilitator for the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Leanne Hezlett said the genet suffered middle-brain damage from which it was not expected to recover.
Hezlett said the animal was lactating, which means that its babies were somewhere in the vicinity, unattended and without food or care.
“Unfortunately, after days of searching the surrounding areas by groups of wildlife volunteers as well as public volunteers, the babies have not yet been found,” she said.
“We went as far as recruiting the help of three tracker-dogs from the Genesis K9 Group based in Cullinan.”
She said the dog search was called off due to bad weather.
READ MORE: Brave Leo up for adoption at SPCA Tshwane
A local psychic said she “saw” three baby genets burrowed in a small mound or hill surrounded by short grass and an old tree stump nearby.
“These landmarks have not yet been found, however, we did come across some mongoose burrows,” Hezlett.
She said the Genetta tigrina species lived in and around the suburbs of Pretoria and usually hunted small rodents, birds and insects.
Members of the public were urged to keep an eye out for the missing babies.
“There is a possibility that they are of older age and could be wandering around trying to fend for themselves,” said Hazlett.
“However, if they were still very young we think they would not have survived without the mother’s care.”
The mother was still under the watchful care of one of our wildlife vets at Bryanston veterinary hospital.
This was the second genet to be hit by a car at the intersection.
The first was found in the early morning in January, near a Woodland Boulevard field.
“That female was very lucky and only came away with a laceration to the side of her face and some facial bruising,” said Hezlett.
“After she has fully recovered, she will be released in a safer wildlife area.”
READ MORE: SPCA urges community to continue donating
Hezlett advised people who came across a wild animal run over or injured on the road, to always approach it with caution.
“These animals are wild and could be aggressive if injured,” she said.
“If the animal is in need of veterinary assistance, use a blanket or towel or jacket to pick up and wrap the animal in, then take it to the nearest veterinary hospital.”
At the centre ask them to notify the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre on 073-112-1131 or Leanne Hezlett on 082-852-2510, with a detailed description of the location where the animal was found and the time.
“The SAWRC would like to thank all members of the public who have volunteered in searches for the genets.”
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
