On the 29 March’18 Tenikwa got a call from “HOME FROM HOME” Plettenberg Bay to inform us that 3 baby Greater Striped Swallows landed up out of the nest due to tree trimming. The birds where admitted and cared for at our Rehabilitation centre. They were hand fed every 2 hours. Once they were eating on their own we knew that they were ready to leave the safe haven. They were successfully released in Plettenberg Bay and flew off like they owned the skies.
GUIDELINES TO ASSIST MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN DEALING WITH INJURED WILDLIFE
It often happens that you come across what looks like an abandoned baby bird or animal. It may just be that the mother is away looking for food, or the bird is at a stage where it is out the nest but still being fed by the parents. Remember, wild parents are the best thing for the wild baby, so if there is a chance that the parents will come back, please consider this before diving into action to “rescue” a wild animal.
The main thing to remember when you come across an injured or abandoned wild animal, is that stress kills. You need to work very quietly with the animal without any children or domestic animals interfering with you catching the animal. Please put the camera aside. Bright lights and unfamiliar noises are very frightening to a wild animal.
As with humans, the first 72 hours of rescue are really the most important for the survival of the animal, so the sooner you can get it to a rehabilitation centre or the nature authorities, the better.
Find a Rehab Centre near you
Useful Contact Numbers
CapeNature George : 044-8025300
CapeNature Goukamma : 044-3830042
CapeNature Plett : 044-5332125
CapeNature Riversdale : 028-7132366
E/Cape Nature Conservation : 042-2920339
SPCA Garden Route: 044-8781990
SANParks Bloukrans : 044-5316792
SANParks Natures Valley : 044-5316700
SANParks Knysna : 044-3025600
PAWS Animal Welfare : 083-2879917
GPS Co-ordinates
33°57’39.92″S / 23°29’50.03″E and turn right to Tenikwa entrance.