Compassionate boy rescues duiker in distress
Scelo Mkhize, 11, went against the instructions of elders in his community to rescue an abandoned duiker lamb.
YOU can never be too young to be a hero.
Young Scelo Mkhize, 11, is a remarkable example of this. He went against the instructions of elders in his community to rescue an abandoned duiker lamb. It was found in the bushes after it had been attacked by a pack of hunting dogs. The little boy brought the duiker to the elders just outside Botha’s Hill, who advised him to return it to the bushes.
Scelo refused and with the help of his neighbour Malvern Dingwiza, made a job of finding a place that would be able to help the little lamb. After several phone calls with many people rallying behind the boy, community members finally got in touch with the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow).
“On the night, we arrived at the scene to find the duiker lamb safely kept in a dark room and guarded by both Scelo and Malvern. The duiker had a few ticks on her lips and remnants of her umbilical cord still stuck to her belly.She is two to three weeks old and mom seems to have been absent for a while. She is now at Crow and recovering quickly, drinking up a storm.
“We are so thankful to Scelo, Malvern and the rest of the community, including Lina Wenton who initially placed the call, for helping this little lamb and fighting for her right to a happy, long life. You have saved a life today and proven that you can never be too young to care for and love animals. You’re our hero, Scelo!” said a delighted Alex Kogl, communications officer at Crow.
Crow director, Clint Halkett-Siddall said Scelo showed great courage, enthusiasm and passion for conservation and wildlife is saving the lamb. “His dedication to trying and get hold of someone who could assist and rehabilitate the animal was very inspiring. We’d love to grow that passion in Scelo. We have invited him to the centre to see the recovering duiker and to learn more about what we do at Crow. He is a remarkable young boy and has the making of a wildlife ambassador for Crow and in his community.”
Crow is an NGO based in Yellowwood Park, Durban, that rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured, orphaned or displaced wild animals. For more information or to support the work done by the organisation call 031-462-1127 or alternatively you can make a donation via Zapper, PayPal or make an EFT to CROW, First National Bank, Acc: 50770230859, Branch Code: 222126, SWIFT/BIC: FIRNZAJJ
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