Durban — The Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) has made a public plea as we head into the festive season where it usually sees an increase in admissions of wildlife in desperate need of rehabilitation.
Crow said it was in the midst of its busiest season, dubbed “baby season” by its clinic staff, where they had a marked rise in admissions - from about 300 to more than 600 animals on the property at any given time.
“Around 60% of the monthly admissions are baby birds that need to be fed every hour for twelve hours a day.
“To feed all these baby birds can take up to 50 minutes, leaving only 10 minutes to prepare for the next hour’s feeds.”
It said that around this time it also sees an increase in orphaned mammals which require feeds every two hours throughout the night.
“Needless to say, our wildlife patients keep all of our clinic staff very busy during the summer months.
“With the increase in admissions, our food and medical expenses also increase.”
The NGO provides a second chance to injured, abandoned, and displaced wildlife and for the past 42 years, it has made a tangible difference to all wildlife in KwaZulu-Natal, including threatened and protected species.
“We understand that you too are facing challenging times, however, we appeal to you to consider contributing towards funding Crow this baby season,” said Crow.
It said that it was in desperate need of pet baskets to keep baby birds and baby small mammals.
“We also use these baskets as transport carriers for rescues and releases. We appeal to the public to sponsor your second-hand baskets or even donate towards purchasing a new one. The cost per new basket is R120.”
Also around this time, the organisation offers a fun-filled and educational experience at their Environmental Education Centre for children from December 19 to December 23 where parents can drop off their children and pick them up in the afternoon at R150 per child.
“Your donation will add great value to the organisation and to the lives of the animals that we serve,” Crow said.
To contribute, contact Denika Govender at 031 462 1127 or email [email protected]
Daily News