A morbidly obese Mohol bushbaby was confiscated by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Tshwane SPCA before being brought to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH).
Weighing three times more than it should, it was suspected that the animal had multiple health complications due to its obesity.
Blood samples revealed that it had diabetes, a direct result of the diet fed by the illegal owner. It, unfortunately, passed away soon after its arrival, with an autopsy revealing it also suffered from liver and heart failure.
‘We implore people to PLEASE NOT to keep wildlife in captive conditions – this is illegal, and SO cruel,’ the JWVH commentated after opening a case against the bushbaby’s owner.
‘We do not enjoy sharing sad stories such as this one,’ they added, ‘but we have found ourselves in a position of currently monitoring and preparing for over 25 court cases and we could really do with your support!’
The JWVH are welcoming donations, which you can do via Snapscan or find out more information by visiting their website here.
Pictures: Dr Karin Lourens
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