The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital is well-known for the work they do with pangolins, owls, monkeys, otters and many other wildlife species.
This week, a serval kitten was brought into their care after being discovered in a grassy area in Pomona in Kempton Park. Images of the kitten were shared in a Facebook post by the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, who said that she was in a terrible condition.
‘On arrival at the hospital we immediately started her on iv fluids as she was severely dehydrated. She was emaciated, anaemic and covered in ticks and fleas, and had tapeworm.
‘While we attended to her medical care, after a few days when her condition was stable, we sedated her to be able to give her a proper bath as she smelt like diesel. We are really not too sure what her history is, but we are so glad that she is well on the road to being a happy feisty serval again.’
She was initially discovered by a local couple, André and Esther Muller who proceeded to contact the hospital.
‘Though she be but small, she is fierce.’ Image credit: Ashleigh Pienaar Photography
Speaking to Getaway Magazine, Dr Karin Lourens from the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital said: ‘She is doing really well now, eating up a storm and she has been moved into a larger enclosure now. This enclosure is like a mini natural habitat where she can move freely and have the opportunity to display normal serval behaviour.’
The Johannesburg Wildlife Vet Hospital thanked André and Esther Muller for their quick thinking, as well as Humane Society International – Africa for collaborating with them and assisting in the vital work that they do.
‘She is doing really well now, eating up a storm,’ says Dr Karin Lourens. Image credit: Sarah Kempen.
This incredible hospital works tirelessly to treat indigenous animals completely free of charge. They rely solely on donations and if you are in a position to do so, please consider contributing. The money is used to feed various animals in their care as well as to cover the cost of nursing them back to health.
To find out how you can help their cause or to donate, click here.
If you happen to find a wild animal contact the hospital on +27 71 248 1514 or email [email protected]
