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Why the Wildlife Hospital?
The Game Capture Wildlife/Animal Centre is an animal hospital that has been established to assist in the care and treatment of animals that have been impacted by the recent increase in tourism and, notably, game farming in the Limpopo area of South Africa.
The development of the Limpopo area in which there are now upwards of 1 800 game farms had a huge impact on wildlife conservation. Game numbers increased drastically as more and more landowners took part in the conservation of wildlife. Former cattle farms were “game fenced” and stocked with game. The capture and relocation of game became more and more a daily activity, with large numbers of game being relocated.
Unfortunately, as in all capture operations, animals do get injured and have to be treated accordingly. To add to the problem, there are no approved or suitable facilities in the area where these injured animals can be accommodated. In many cases animals are put down without the opportunity to recover. It is obvious and a well-known fact that the best treatment for any wild animal is to be released back into nature as soon as possible. The aim of keeping an animal in captivity should be to allow the animal to make full recovery, before it is released.
With the increase in wildlife conservation, more and more people also became involved. Tourists, private landowners and citizens, become more responsible and involved in conservation. Animals, either due to injury or being abandoned, are picked up next to roads or on farms and are then taken to the nearest police station or conservation office. Although the intention is good, these animals need special care and must be cared for in a professional manner – something that cannot always be provided at the nearest police station or conservation office.
The Game Capture Wildlife Center was formed to provide a facility that will offer specialist care for animals in need. With dedicated and trained personnel, the centre provides this service to the general public, private landowners, wildlife veterinarians and game capture operators.
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