A BABY mongoose got stuck in a drain at the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) property, leading to a tense four-hour rescue. Clint Halkett-Siddall, a director at CROW, said the young mongoose, who is part of a wild group that often visits the property, fell into the drain and could not get out by himself.

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Halkett-Siddall said that the drain is part of a century-old drainage system from the old waterworks plant that Crow now occupies. The team carefully placed lights above the drain and gently attempted to lure the young mongoose with food, and monitored him closely, hour after hour.

Halkett-Siddall said that they believe the young visitor unknowingly fell into the narrow drain.

“The volunteers attempted several safe rescue methods. After more than four hours, and with the help of a makeshift cloth ‘elevator’, he was able to climb out,” he said.

Following the rescue, Crow’s nurses checked the mongoose for injuries. Fortunately, the mongoose only sustained minor injuries and suffered with dehydration.

“We gave him food and water overnight to ensure he could rehydrate and regain his strength. As he was uninjured and part of a wild troop on the property, the priority was simply to help him out of the drain so he could safely return to his natural environment and rejoin his family group. Once stable, the mongoose was let loose on the property and rejoined his family,” said Halkett-Siddall.

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