20/05/2026
๐พ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฉ: ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ง ๐๐ง๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ฅ, ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฉ ๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฆ
Not every wild animal you come across needs to be rescued.
For example, young Cape grysbok are often left hidden by their mothers during the day while they forage nearby, returning later to feed them. What may look like an abandoned animal is often part of a perfectly natural survival strategy.
But there are times when wildlife does need human help. When that happens, itโs important to remember that wild animals can become highly stressed by handling, and in some cases that stress can be life-threatening.
๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ?
To a wild animal, humans are predators. Being captured and handled, hearing loud noises, or being in unfamiliar surroundings can be extremely frightening.
๐๐ข๐ ๐ง๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐ง ๐๐ง๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ฅ ๐ฆ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐
Look out for:
- Trembling or shaking
- Muscle weakness
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ซ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ
If you need to transport an injured animal to the vet or a rehabilitation centre, a few simple steps can make a big difference:
๐๏ธ Limit sensory stimulation
Cover the animalโs eyes, reduce visual disturbance and handle as little as possible.
๐ Keep noise to a minimum
Speak softly and avoid unnecessary conversation or loud sounds.
๐ฆ Provide a safe, dark space
Place the animal in a ventilated cardboard box or pet carrier lined with a towel. Darkness helps many animals feel more secure.
โ Handle only when necessary
The less the animal is touched, the better.
๐ฟ When in doubt, call for advice
If youโre unsure whether an animal needs help, contact the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue & Training Centre for guidance before intervening.
By staying calm and reducing stress, you can greatly improve an animalโs chances of recovery and release back into the wild.
