This article was written by the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital.
Hundreds of animals were recently removed from a property during a joint law-enforcement operation, following serious concerns regarding illegal possession and the conditions in which they were being kept.
214 reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates were admitted into the care of Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital.
Their arrival came with virtually no warning. Many required immediate veterinary attention and emergency stabilisation, while our team simultaneously had to identify, capture, assess, transport, treat and establish appropriate housing for an extraordinary number and diversity of species.
Our new patients include snakes, lizards, geckos, tortoises, frogs, spiders and other species. Many are vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered, and all now require appropriate specialist care.
As this matter is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, we cannot disclose further details about the circumstances of the case.
What we can tell you is that their rescue was only the beginning.
These animals cannot simply be placed into enclosures and fed. Different species have highly specific veterinary, nutritional and environmental needs. Providing the correct temperatures, humidity, UV lighting, diets, supplements, medication and housing for so many animals is an enormous undertaking – and one we could never manage without your support.
Right now, monetary donations will help us most.
They allow us to purchase exactly what is needed, when it is needed, and to adapt as each animal’s veterinary and husbandry requirements change.
Whether you can give R50, R100, R500, R10 000 or more, every contribution helps us give these animals the specialist care they need and, wherever possible, work towards their eventual release or repatriation.
BANKING DETAILS
Johannesburg Wildlife NPC
Bank: FNB
Account number: 626 584 00264
Branch code: 255355
SWIFT code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: REPTILE RESCUE + YOUR NAME
Please send proof of payment to info@jwvh.org.za if you require an acknowledgement or Section 18A donation receipt.
If you cannot donate, please share this post. Reaching someone who can help is valuable too.
Picture: Supplied