Following several complaints about the conditions in which animals were kept at Wilke’s Wildlife Rehab in Pinelands, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Wildlife Department and CapeNature inspected the facility.
While the SPCA was concerned with the welfare of the animals, it was found that the centre was also operating without a valid permit from CapeNature – a legal requirement for the keeping and rehabilitating of wild animals.
This resulted in more than 100 animals being removed from the property and taken into safekeeping.
Among these were two protected Blue Cranes, which are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse confirmed that some of the animals at the facility were suffering.
“Sadly, a peahen with only one leg and a damaged wing had to be euthanased 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,” said Inspector Pieterse.
A warning was issued by the SPCA to ensure that the remaining animals on the property to ensure that their living conditions are cleaned. A follow-up visit will be undertaken to ensure compliance.
The SPCA advises the public to avoid taking any wild animal to Wilke’s Wildlife Rehab until the necessary permits are obtained and current issues are resolved.
To get help for a wild animal, contact the SPCA Wildlife Department
on 021 700 4158/9 or 083 326 1604 after hours.
