Crow calls for support during lockdown

The feeding, treating and taking care of more than 300 injured and orphaned animals in all shapes and sizes will continue during the 21-day shutdown.

March 30, 2020

Nothando Mthembu 3 minutes read

THE Covid-19 pandemic has sparked uncertainty and has caused devastating effects on economies and communities, however the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) remains fully operational.

The feeding, treating and taking care of more 300 injured and orphaned animals in all shapes and sizes will continue during the 21-day shutdown. “With many businesses on lockdown and few people venturing out, we ask that you continue to support us and come through with any deliveries of injured, displaced or orphaned animals as well as donations. They need us now more than ever,” said Crow communications officer, Alex Kogl.

Crow clinic staff member, Sue-Anne Shutte treats an injured monkey.

Alex said that the pandemic has had a terrible impact on the centre. “We’ve had to turn away all international volunteers, who pay to be on our volunteer programme. The financial contributions from this programme is something we heavily rely on. As of last week, local volunteers have also been turned away so in effect we are swamped in the clinic with too few people to handle the feeding of animals and cleaning of enclosures.

“Our clinic staff will have to work double shifts to make up for the loss of help. Another problem is public perception. People also unfortunately believe they contract the virus from animals and so are either unwilling to help and bring in injured animals, and secondly, more likely to try and kill them. Though the virus is thought to have come from the consumption of wildlife, you cannot get the virus from our animals or, transversely, infect them with it. We’ve seen an uptick in the amount of shot monkeys coming into the centre over the last week. This puts added strain on our clinic staff who have to treat new animals coming in, in addition to enclosure upkeep and feeding. Our drivers will have to drive out more to ensure we reach all the injured animals that need treatment.”

Crow has taken measures to sterilise and sanitise the centre to create a safe environment for both staff and animals. There are sanitation stations at every door that include hand sanitisers and foot baths for shoes. Staff also have masks and gloves for this time and have implemented social distancing practices.

“We’ve decided to cancel two of our upcoming events, the Easter Egg Hunt in the Wild for 12 April and the March Holiday Club. Though we’re sad, we feel it is in the best interest of the health of our dedicated community and staff. Those who have signed up for the holiday club, can contact Londiwe on education@crowkzn.co.za to get a refund or alternatively donate what they have paid. For Easter egg hunt ticket refunds, please write us on info@crowkzn.co.za,” said Alex.

“We are completely reliant on the support of the public and the community around us and now is the time to keep going and help those voiceless animals who cannot help themselves,” she said. Consider leaving a donation, sponsoring the care of an animal or donating things from our wishlist at https://bit.ly/2J27ek2

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March 30, 2020

Nothando Mthembu 3 minutes read