Two rangers at Londolozi Game Reserve found a honey badger stuck in a hole under a tree. Honey badgers or ‘ratels’ are known as tough and ferocious animals. Not held back by its size, these creatures aren’t afraid to take on large predators like leopards. These animals are also known to turn venomous snakes into snacks.
The honey badger was frightened and severely dehydrated.
This particular honey badger, however, was in desperate need of help. The animal was possibly injured and had poor blood circulation due to its lower body being stuck in the hole. It was also severely dehydrated and exhausted.
After giving the badger water and calming it by putting a blanket over it, the two rangers Sean Zeederberg and Pete Thorpe started digging. The operation lasted for hours and still, the little creature remained stuck. Finally, as the badger grabs onto the blanket, they manage to gently pull it free and it scuttled off into the night.
Watch this incredible encounter:
Not all heroes wear capes. Rangers Sean Zeederberg and Pete Thorpe find a trapped Honey Badger and refuse to leave it to its fate.
This is quite a touching story…Posted by Londolozi Game Reserve on Wednesday, 15 July 2020
Honey badgers are widely found across sub-Saharan Africa, as well as some other parts of the world like Asia. These animals play an important role in the ecosystem and agricultural community as they feed on rodents considered pests by farmers. However, they also love bee larvae and are sometimes considered a threat to the beekeeping industry for the damage they can do to commercial beehives, according to SANBI.
The species is currently listed as ‘Least Concern’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) but the population has seen a decline in recent years due to persecution by beekeepers.
These animals are sometimes unintentionally poisoned as they are scavengers. They are also hunted for both bush meat and traditional medicine use, reports SANBI.
Education and awareness can go a long way to keep honey badger numbers from declining, as beekeepers can raise their bee hives from the ground to keep them out of honey badgers’ reach instead of killing them.
The animal’s use for traditional medicine stems from their reputation for bravery and tenacity, according to National Geographic. The debunking of this superstition will also help to ensure these creatures prosper in the wild.
Image credit: Screenshot
