06/08/2026
There are wildlife rescuers…
…and then there is Monica.
By now, most of our followers know that we’re ridiculously lucky to have some of the most naturally gifted wildlife first aid volunteers around.. But every now and then, someone does something that makes us all stop, shake our heads in amazement and mutter, “How on earth does she do it?”
Monica has made a habit of doing exactly that!
Time after time she quietly swoops in, rolls up her sleeves and somehow persuades birds that have all but given up that perhaps sticking around isn’t such a bad idea after all.
A few weeks ago, Marc-Brent Manuel made one of those phone calls every wildlife rescuer knows all too well.
He had found a Black-headed Heron.
At first glance, Simon (as Marc promptly christened him) looked as though life had already closed the curtain.
Motionless… broken… far beyond help..
And then… He moved.
Cue full fluster mode.
Monica, meanwhile, remained exactly what Monica always is.. calm, collected and already mentally working through the treatment plan before the rest of us had finished panicking.
Simon was gently hydrated while every scrape, bruise, gash and wound was painstakingly cleaned and treated. His eye was in an awful state; badly bloodied and scratched, (most likely from a collision with a vehicle). During the cleanup, Monica even removed an astonishing lump of compacted mud lodged inside the injured eye.. (Yes… from inside his eye).
We’re fairly sure Simon wasn’t thrilled with the procedure at the time, but he has yet to lodge a formal complaint.
The poor fellow was suffering from severe concussion and couldn’t even stand on his own. Several times every day Monica carefully lifted and repositioned him to prevent pressure sores and aches, changed his bedding, kept him hydrated and tube-fed him a specialised diet gentle enough for his battered body to metabolize.
With abrasions covering both wings and legs, even simply holding him upright for a few minutes became a delicate balancing act worthy of a circus performer! (Except this act had feathers… and a long, sharp deadly accurate face dagger to contend with) .
Once Simon was stable enough, Monica bundled her oversized patient into the rescue taxi and headed to Dr. Lelane Janse van Vuuren at Sasolburg Veterinary Care.
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A thorough examination confirmed the wonderful news we’d all been hoping for..
Nothing was broken.
Bruised.. Absolutely.
Concussed.. Without question.
But broken.. Thankfully not.
With the veterinary green light and strict instructions for plenty more TLC, Simon headed home once again with Monica (whose recovery plans appear to consist largely of equal parts medical skill, relentless determination and a sprinkle of whatever magic she keeps hidden in her first-aid kit).
Those early days were… entertaining.
“He’s standing!”
“…never mind.”
“He’s standing again!”
“…and we’re back down.”
Slowly but surely, those wobbly victories became longer victories.
The tube feeding was no longer needed, his balance improved,
his appetite returned with enthusiasm usually reserved for teenagers and Labradors.
Before long, Simon was strong enough to travel comfortably to our rehabilitation clinic, where Judy was positively delighted to welcome one of her favourite feathered patients.
He’s now eating like he’s trying to personally bankrupt our food budget, rebuilding lost muscle and gaining strength every single day.
With another month or so of rehabilitation, Simon should be ready to spread those magnificent wings once more just as Spring makes her grand entrance.
Monica…
You are quite simply one in ten million.
A simple “thank you” doesn’t begin to cover what you quietly do for the wildlife of Gauteng.
You never hesitate.
You never complain.
You never seek the spotlight.
You simply answer the phone, admit into your care whatever creature needs you, and somehow make the impossible look routine.
We see the long hours.
We see the emotional investment.
We see the extraordinary dedication.. and we hope you know just how deeply appreciated you are.
To the incredible team at Sasolburg Veterinary Care .. thank you for always opening your doors to our wonderfully weird and frequently complicated wildlife patients. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and your kindness and expertise make an immeasurable difference.
And finally…
Marc…
We have questions.
Important questions.
Chief among them…
Why Simon?
The committee of curious minds requires answers.
Thank you for the help afforded to this beautiful bird! Without those first crucial moments, Simon would almost certainly never have seen another sunrise.
Sometimes, saving a life begins with nothing more than making one phone call.
This time… that phone call gave Simon his second chance.
