Save Wildlife Rehabilitation Wishlist

Turtle Stabilisation Units

In winter, sea temperatures fluctuate and turtles caught in cold pockets are unable to adapt their body temperature to the rapid drop in temperature. This results in a condition called  “cold stunning” where the turtle’s metabolism slows down to the point that it cannot function and is forced to come ashore. We would like to set up a small aquarium for turtle hatchlings that we receive. These turtle need special care during this period as we bring them back from a state of hypo-thermia to normal body temperature.  We are looking for a donation of the following equipment or a sponsorship to purchase the following equipment in order to set up these facilities for turtles:

Turtle Hatchling Stabilisation Unit

Standard Glass Aquarium / Fish Tank – approximate size  1 metre x 1.5 metres

Filter equipment for the fish tank

Heater

Thermometer

Once the turtle hatchlings are stable, they are flown by courtesy of “CemAir” to 2Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town for further rehabilitation before release.

Adult Stabilisation Unit

1 Small Portapool (heavy duty plastic in wire grid)

Webbing to construct a Sling

R2500 donation for the cost of building an adjustable free-standing sling

Pool Heater and Temperature Gauge

Soft Release Enclosure

We would like to build a soft release aviary to assist with the process of releasing birds that have completed their rehabilitation and can be released in the area.  A soft release area allows the bird to become fit and adapt to a more natural environment which greatly improves the success of release post rehabilitation.  In order to construct the aviary, we are looking for a donation of the following materials or a contribution towards the purchase of the materials

Shade Cloth – black, maximum 40%

10 x Treated Gum Poles – 6 metre

1 Roll of Wire for Tensioning

Astro-turf offcuts, any size

Animal Enrichment and Learning Props

It is vital to keep the animals at Tenikwa in a healthy frame of mind. You wont find any obsese, bored cats here ! Animal enrichment is used extensively across all species as well as in our rehabilitation centre and is crucial in the preparation of animals for release.  The following items are very useful for this purpose:

Dried Spices – cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, star aniseed, cardamon seeds

Almost empty perfume and aftershave lotion scent bottles

Clean Hessian Bags, Old Pillow Cases (small tears are ok)