On the 6th of August 2019 an injured juvenile Honey Badger was found wandering along the road in the Rheenendal area. Young badgers remain with their mothers for up to 18 months, so something had definitely happened to separate him from his mother’s care. He was taken to the Knysna Veterinary Clinic and treated by Dr Mark Shortreed. Dr Mark stabilized him and also did X-rays and tests and discovered that this little guy had a severe head injury. Once he was satisfied that the Honey Badger was out of danger, Dr Mark contacted Tenikwa Wildlife Rehab to come and collect him and start the rehabilitation process.
This little guy is doing very well, and has no qualms to let us know why Honey Badgers are said to be the most fierce and fearless animals in the animal kingdom.
Weighing in at a mere 16kg when fully grown when considering the size of opponents they tackle, they are said to take on lions as well as buffalos.
This being said, they do have a soft side. Honey badgers have a beautiful symbiotic relationship with the Greater Honey Guide. When the Honey Guide discovers a beehive, it goes in search of a badger. This birds makes a sound like “VIC – TOR” until it gets the Honey Badger’s attention.
Then it flies ahead with the badger following until they reach the bee hive. There the badger eats its fill, but at the same time, exposing the grubs in the comb for the bird to tuck in. After all, sharing is caring, and they both benefit from the relationship.
We want to thank Dr Mark from the Knysna Veterinary Clinic for his dedication towards wildlife and the skilled assessment and treatment of this young badger. We would also like to thank Oakhurst Insurance Company who really lives up to their moto : “We really care – We deliver”. Oakhurst staff were so touched by the badger’s plight, that they came forward to contribute towards the costs of his on-going rehabilitation. Thanks guys, this is really appreciated.