HELP FOR RHINO CALF AFTER EARS EATEN BY HYENAS. Mbombela – A Rhino calf, whose ears had been bitten off by hyenas, saved herself by walking to the tarred road near the Orpen Gate in KNP, and was found by tourists. The 5 month old calf, which has been named Wyntir, is now in the care of Care 4 Wild Africa, a wildlife rehabilitation centre. The calf’s mother was most probably killed by poachers. Mr. Isaac Phaahla, a SANParks spokesman, said that Mr. Steven Whitfield, Area Ranger of Tshokwane, is not sure what happened to the mother. “It is seldom that rhinos desert their calves. It is unlikely that she died from natural causes, or else she would not have given birth so recently. We assume that poachers killed the mother, as the calf was found in an area where a lot of poaching is taking place. We still have to find the carcass.” The poor animal’s ears were bitten nearly down to the bone and the area was covered with scabs. It has been surmised that the calf, which would have been helpless without her mother, was targeted and attacked by a hyena. She was darted and treated by a veterinarian. Because she still needed her mother’s milk and could not care for herself, it was decided to bring her to the centre. Ms. Petronel Nieuwoudt, founder of Care 4 Wild, said they got a permit to transport the calf in a crate. She arrived there on Friday. “We first had to calm her. We then saw that she was badly injured – with open wounds where her ears were bitten off, scratch marks and also wounds on her head, from the attack.” She was injected with analgesics and receiver further treatment from the team. Wyntir had a rough first night, bumping herself against the sides of the crate. It is not unusual for rhino calves to feel uncomfortable and bored in a confined space. The team at Care 4 Wild Africa placed her under 24 hour observation to ensure that she was calm and comfortable. Nieuwoudt and her team are building a boma as soon as possible, where she will be kept. They hope to furnish it with a gas heater and will put other measures in place to prevent Wyntir from injuring herself further. “We shall make sure that Wyntir receives the best care possible,” Nieuwoudt said, and added that the wounds would take some time to heal properly. She emphasized that Care 4 Wild Africa could not function properly without the help of veterinarians and donations from the public. “If there is anyone who wants to help with funding for Wyntir, please visit our Facebook Page,” Nieuwoudt asked. Enquiries: [email protected] There is a link to a video of the calf in the article. Hulp vir renostertjie ná hiënas ore vreet. lowvelder.co.za/203513/hulp-vir-renostertjie-na-hienas-ore-vreet/
Posted on: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 23:18:34 +0000
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