The Cape of Good Hope SPCA Wildlife Department discovered sub-standard living facilities and malnourished, neglected animals after an inspection of a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Cape Town’s southern suburbs.
The inspection follows after a number of complaints were received regarding the living conditions of animals residing at Wilke’s Wildlife Rescue and Rehab in Pinelands.
More than 100 animals were removed from the facility, including two Blue Cranes that appear on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of vulnerable animals.
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse of the SPCA confirmed that some animals found at the facility were in dire conditions.
“Sadly, a peahen with only one leg and a damaged wing had to be euthanised due to her poor state. She had no quality of life and fell over when she tried to move – immobile and not able to express natural behaviour,” he said.
Dehydrated and severely underweight snakes were found in overcrowded living spaces. Other animals were found in dirty cages with months-old excrement and no drinking water.
More than 60 tortoises, of which two were sick as a result of the poor conditions of their habitat at the property.
In addition to sub-standard living conditions, it was discovered that the facility failed to acquire a valid permit from CapeNature – a necessary requirement for animal rehabilitation – yet continued to operate illegally without it.
A warning was issued to the facility and the SPCA has said that a follow-up inspection will be undertaken at a later unspecified date to ensure that the remaining animal’s welfare and conditions at the facility are being cared for; as well as that legal requirements are being adhered to.
The SPCA also advises the community to avoid sending any wild animals to Wilke’s Wildlife Rehab until the existing issues are resolved and mandatory permits are obtained.
To help any wild animals, the public is urged to contact the SPCA Wildlife Department on 021 700 4158/9 or 083 326 1604 after hours
Cape Town’s SPCA Wildlife Unit is one of only two SPCA branches in South Africa that houses a team of dedicated men and women available on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year.
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