Wildlife Rescue Hub

Important Notice: Protecting Wildlife Through Responsible Action

Wildlife is a vital part of our ecosystem, and it’s natural to feel a strong urge to help when an animal appears to be in distress. However, interference—even with good intentions—can sometimes cause more harm than good. To ensure the safety and well-being of these animals, it’s essential to understand when to act and when to step back.

  1. Avoid Physical Contact: Many wild animals, including turtles and tortoises, are sensitive to handling. Picking them up incorrectly can cause injuries, such as fractures or internal damage, and may stress them further. Always remember that improper handling can do irreversible harm.
  2. Minimize Your Presence: Approaching distressed animals can increase their stress levels or even provoke defensive behaviors, potentially putting both you and the animal at risk. For predators or large mammals, close proximity may make them feel threatened, which could lead to aggressive reactions.
  3. Call the Right Authorities: If you encounter a distressed animal, contact local wildlife rescue organizations or the appropriate conservation authorities immediately. These professionals have the training, tools, and expertise to handle the situation safely and effectively
  4. Understand Why Intervention Matters: Wild animals rely on specific survival instincts. Human interference can disrupt their natural responses or separate them from their families, especially in cases like seal pups or tortoises. Additionally, wildlife rehabilitators can assess if the animal truly needs help or if it’s best left alone.
By acting responsibly and consulting the right experts, you can play a crucial role in protecting wildlife without unintended harm. Let’s work together to ensure the preservation of South Africa’s diverse and precious wildlife heritage.

Turtle Rescue

 

Hotline: 083 300 1663 or visit the Two Oceans Turtle Rescue Page click here

or contact SMART on 072 227 4715

The coastline of South Africa serves as an important habitat for several species of sea turtles, including the Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles. These gentle ocean dwellers are known to frequent the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and our shores often play host to their nesting and foraging grounds. Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles, in particular, migrate thousands of kilometers to lay their eggs along South Africa's northern KwaZulu-Natal beaches.

Unfortunately, these incredible creatures face numerous threats that can lead to distress. Entanglement in fishing gear, marine pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change are among the leading causes. Discarded plastic, mistaken for food, can lead to internal blockages and severe health issues. Additionally, boat strikes in busy coastal waters pose a direct danger to their survival. Hatchlings, too, are at risk, as artificial lighting near nesting sites can disorient them and prevent their safe journey to the sea.

Raising awareness and supporting turtle rescue efforts are crucial steps toward ensuring these species thrive for generations to come. By working together, we can help protect these ancient mariners and preserve the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems.  We should not be a stopping point for young turtles so if there is a young turtle on our beach it is in distress.  

If you see an turtle in distress the most important things is DO NOT PUT IT BACK IN THE OCEAN.


Thank you to the Two Oceans Aquarium for the graphics

For more information visit The Two Oceans Aquarium website, they are a great source of information on turtle rescue and general information on our sea creatures:  

Injured Marine Animals and Birds











Dunefields Private Nature Reserve has a wildlife rescue stabilisation station, they can be contacted to assist with injured animals and birds.  
You can reach out to: 
Dr Tiaan Strydom on 061 469 2784 or
Dr Zanri Strydom on 072 885 5998
For more information you can visit their site: http://www.dunefields.co.za

Additionally, 
For injured marine birds you can reach out to SAPREC on 082 341 0582 
For seals you can reach out to SMART on 072 227 4715

Whales and Dolphins

If you find a stranded whale or dolphin in the Garden Route, it is crucial that you contact an organisation that is trained and equipped to deal with the incident.  

  • Cape Nature on 064 608 9270
  • SANParks on 084 714 7793
  • Strandloper Project on 082 213 5931
  • SMART on 072 227 4715

Snakes



Call the Sedgefield Fire Department:  
  • on 044 349 2900
  • or 060 998 7019
  • or 060 998 7117
Love them or hate them, please don't harm them.  

Venomous snakes are a fascinating and vital part of our ecosystem, playing a crucial role in maintaining balance by controlling pest populations. However, when they find their way into residential areas, it’s natural to feel alarmed. While your first instinct may be to take action, it's important to remember that harming these creatures can disrupt the environment and even put you at risk.

The safest and most responsible course of action is to contact our fire department for assistance.

Trained professionals are equipped to safely and humanely remove venomous snakes from your property without causing harm to the animal or risking your safety. Here's why this matters: 

  1. Ensure Your Safety: Venomous snakes can be unpredictable, and attempting to remove them without proper expertise is extremely dangerous. Professionals understand their behavior and know how to handle them securely.
  2. Protect Wildlife: Killing snakes disrupts the delicate balance of the ecosystem, as they play a vital role in controlling the population of rodents and insects. Conservation efforts focus on removing and relocating snakes rather than harming them.
  3. Support Humane Practices: Calling experts ensures that snakes are relocated safely to areas where they can thrive, away from human habitation.

Remember, a venomous snake doesn’t want conflict any more than you do—it’s simply navigating its environment. By calling the fire department, you’re taking a proactive step that prioritizes safety for both you and the wildlife around you. Together, we can coexist and protect the unique biodiversity of South Africa.

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