Three lions from the Fairy Glen Nature Reserve in Worcester had to be euthanized due to severe burn wounds sustained during a blaze that ignited on Friday, 26 January.
Also read: Firefighting efforts continue in Cape Winelands despite cooler weather
One male and two female lions were seriously injured on Friday when they got trapped in the blaze.
Pieter de Jager, owner of Fairy Glen, told the Worcester Standard that a meeting was held with members of the SPCA and conservationists after his partner, Kayla Wilkens, noticed that something was wrong with the lions during an inspection.
‘When she (Kayla) got there, the male lion moved onto his back and lifted his paws. She could see burn wounds on his paws, and there were signs of infection.’ De Jager, members of the SPCA and conservationists then went to inspect the lion camp.
‘It was determined that things didn’t look well and that it would be better if the animals were rather put down. An independent veterinarian was called in to assist.’
De Jager adds that the animals’ wounds have been treated and monitored ever since the fire started. The lions, in particular, had severe burn wounds on their paws.
He says they got the lions when they were just cubs. ‘I raised them in the house, they slept in the bed. We moved them to an approved camp on the nature reserve when they got bigger.’
He adds that one of his priorities is to ensure the well-being and health of the animals. ‘We are monitoring the animals that roam in the veld every day to evaluate their injuries and overall well-being.’
Rebuilding and renovation work on the areas that were affected has not started yet. As of the latest update by the Cape Winelands District Municipality, the fire lines at Fairy Glen have been contained, and monitoring continues. A total of 2 200 hectares have been burnt to date.
Also read:
Update on Cape Winelands fires: A challenging day for firefighters
Picture: Fairy Glen Nature Reserve / Facebook
