What are the opening hours?

Monday 09:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00 Thursday 09:00 - 17:00 Friday 09:00 - 17:00

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West Coast Bird Rescue

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South Africa
Cape Town
West Coast Bird Rescue

CapeNature Permitted Rehabilitation Facility
Rescue | Rehabilitation | Release
Cape Town
(17)

22/02/2024

Let's see who can correctly identify this bird.😊

Hint: This bird mainly eats insects and is commonly found in the Karoo and fynbos regions. It is a noisy bird and it is known for its tail-twitching movements.

21/02/2024

Seed Donations Needed!

We are facing a critical shortage of seeds at our facility due to the high number of birds recently admitted - especially doves and pigeons. We are down to our last bag of seeds and urgently need help from our community.

If only a few kind-hearted individuals could donate even a small bag, we could stock up on the food needed for this month. Every contribution, regardless of its size, significantly impacts our facility's rescue efforts.

Seed donations can be made through the following methods:
1. Direct Drop-Off: You can drop off donations at our facility, or we can arrange pick-up in the Table View area.
2. Takealot Wishlist: Seeds can be purchased from our Takealot Wishlist: https://www.takealot.com/wishlist/shared/1:eae1e138fd0640918d34b7c712851950
3. Checkers Sixty60: Seeds can be bought through Checkers Sixty60 (we will provide our address for delivery).

If you would like to make a direct payment, our banking details are as follows:
West Coast Bird Rescue
First National Bank (FNB)
Branch Code: FIRNZAJJ
Account Number: 63055642730
Ref: Seeds - Name and Surname

20/02/2024

Sometimes, the world just needs a heartwarming story, and today, we are bringing you just that!

Not too long ago, we received a call from two kind-hearted individuals seeking assistance with a pair of Speckled pigeon eggs found in an exposed and unsuitable location.

Without hesitation, we agreed to assist and received the warm eggs shortly after, along with a generous donation to help us cover the costs of raising the babies. From the moment they arrived, we began the careful process of incubating the eggs. We watched in wonder each day as the specks of life inside the eggs developed until we could see tiny movements within. Finally, after 14 days of anticipation, the first chick emerged, followed closely by its sibling. Witnessing an egg hatch will forever hold a special place - it evokes a sense of childlike wonder and excitement.

Now three days old and weighing merely 10 grams each, these little ones are eating well and growing stronger with each passing day. We will continue to provide them with the care and nourishment they need until they are ready to be released. We feel grateful to be a part of their journey, and as always, we will keep you updated on their progress.😊

15/02/2024

It was a busy day here at our facility! Meet the five Laughing Dove nestlings who were all admitted before lunch today. Whether caught by cats, fallen from their nests, or just gotten a little lost, these little ones all made it safely to our care.

07/02/2024

Yesterday, we admitted this beautiful Red-Eyed Dove after a cat caught it. Thanks to the swift action of responsible cat owners, who immediately rescued the bird and reached out to us for assistance, this bird is now under our care. They even drove 40km without hesitation to bring the bird to us and generously donated to cover medical costs.

Although the dove sustained severe trauma to both wings, we are optimistic about its recovery with care and rehabilitation. It is remarkable how resilient these birds can be when given proper treatment. We expect to see this bird fully feathered and ready for release in just a few weeks. Stay tuned for updates on its progress.

Ps. Please always be responsible pet owners when it comes to our wildlife.😉

06/02/2024

Over the past few days, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness from strangers - from kind words of encouragement to receiving much-needed donations.

In particular, we want to extend a special thank you to Super Flight Feeds. When our food supplies were completely depleted, they generously donated the supplies we planned to buy. We are immensely grateful and will always highly recommend them for their top-quality and affordable animal feed products. Their willingness to lend a helping hand in our time of need truly speaks volumes about them.

Thank you, Super Flight Feeds, for your continuous support!

02/02/2024

Yesterday, we admitted this emaciated and severely dehydrated Greater Striped Swallow nestling into our care after it was found on the ground near its nest. Upon arrival, it was evident that this chick had been abandoned for several days, completely deprived of food. In a desperate attempt to survive, the chick fledged the nest and landed on the ground.

The first two photos depict the bird's deteriorated condition - sunken eyes, a prominent breastbone, dry skin, and a shrunken abdomen. This bird weighed a mere 15g at admittance, although it should have weighed at least 25g at this age. However, with intensive care and ongoing fluid therapy, we witnessed incredible improvements. This morning marked a turning point as the chick started eating, and the spark of life returned to its eyes, as captured in the last photo.

Although our efforts sometimes feel small, moments like these remind us of the significant impact our efforts can have on these little lives.

31/01/2024

We sincerely apologise for our recent inactivity on social media. The past month has been exceptionally busy with rescue emergencies demanding our full attention and leaving us with little time for social media. Rest assured, we are committed to resuming regular updates.

In the meantime, here is one of our latest intakes —an Acacia Pied Barbet that fell ill and was sadly later caught by a dog. Currently in recovery, we are optimistic about its progress and hopeful for a successful release in the near future.

Stay tuned for more heartwarming stories and exciting wildlife encounters. We are so grateful for your support and cannot wait to reconnect with you all!

14/01/2024

Let's end the weekend on a positive note.😊

We are happy to announce that Moby found the most amazing home. Not only does he spend his days in a beautiful large green garden, but he also has two stunning ladies to keep him company.

Most importantly, Moby found a family that genuinely loves and appreciates him. Thank you, Erin, for giving Moby the home that he deserves.

12/01/2024

We often celebrate the positive outcomes of our rescue efforts, but the reality is that not every story has a happy ending. Today, we want to share the challenges faced in wildlife rescue because sharing these aspects of our work is essential for raising awareness and inspiring change.

Today, these two Red-knobbed coots were rescued at a popular Cape Town golf course after they were seen struggling to walk with injured legs. Unfortunately, both had to be euthanised upon arrival due to the severity of their injuries. Both these birds had badly fractured legs with open and infected wounds, likely inflicted by golf balls. These tragic incidents are not isolated; similar injuries have been observed in numerous birds at this golf course.

The heartbreaking part of this story is that these birds endured these injuries for at least two weeks, yet no golfer or resort personnel reported or attempted to assist them. Our gratitude goes to Yvonne de K**k and Ted van der Meulen for stepping in to catch these birds so they could be relieved from their suffering. We truly need more kind people like you in this world.

This story serves as a reminder to the public to please report injured wildlife, in this case, birds with wounded legs and wings. We will also be engaging with the golf resort to explore solutions and prevent such incidents in the future.

11/01/2024

We are excited to announce our partnership with SANCCOB saves seabirds, where we will serve as a first responder for seabird emergencies. This collaboration allows us to extend our support to a wider network while increasing our conservation efforts.

This morning, we swiftly headed to Milnerton Beach to rescue this Hartlaub's Gull, ensuring its safe and immediate transfer to SANCCOB, where it will receive specialized care.

For any seabird-related emergencies contact SANCCOB on:
Office number: +27 (0)21 557 6155
Emergency After Hours: +27 (0) 78 638 3731

01/01/2024

As we bid farewell to the year gone by, we welcome the New Year with optimism and a sense of excitement.

In the coming months, we have some exciting news to share, so be sure to keep an eye on our page for updates. Here's to another year filled with growth, compassion, and positive change.

From all of us at West Coast Bird Rescue, Happy New Year!

25/12/2023

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas filled with joy, hapiness, and the love of family and friends. From all of us at West Coast Bird Rescue, Happy Holidays!❤️

13/12/2023

Available for adoption: Moby!

Meet Moby, a three-month-old presumed male Pekin duck. Rescued as a little frightened duckling from a busy road in Cape Town, Moby has since grown into a handsome and confident duck.

The time has now come for Moby to find his own home. We seek a suitable home, preferably on a small holding or farm with a dam or pond, where Moby can integrate into an existing flock.

If you think you have the right home for Moby, please get in touch with us. Alternatively, please help us share this post to reach as many people as possible. Kindly note that home checks and adoption fees will apply to ensure a secure and loving environment for Moby's future.

29/11/2023

This Greater painted-snipe was admitted into our care after it was found in a weakened state, displaying serious injuries to both wings, the legs, the head, and the abdomen—suggestive of a possible collision with a vehicle. Sadly, despite our immediate efforts, he passed away soon after his arrival due to his injuries.

Greater painted-snipes are known for their elusive and secretive behaviour, making them special and rare sightings for birders and wildlife rehabilitation facilities. In addition to their captivating appearance of patterned markings, these waders have long beaks that they use to probe into soft-muddy soil for food.

These birds also exhibit interesting breeding behaviours. They are polyandrous – meaning that each female mates with multiple males in a breeding season. The males perform all nesting duties, from building nests and incubating eggs to raising the chicks. After laying her eggs, the female moves on to mate with another male, while the initial male continues the nesting responsibilities.

While losing such a special bird is always sad, we will continue our commitment to wildlife care and conservation, as this unfortunate incident highlights the many challenges that urban wildlife faces due to urbanization and the degradation of their natural habitats.

23/11/2023

In the world of rescue, the journey can often feel like a solitary battle, an endless struggle where our impact feels uncertain. However, today brought a profound sense of connection. We woke up to donations pouring in for Louis's medical treatment. Some donations were made by close friends, some from our supportive community, and some from those who chose to remain anonymous.

These contributions covered the entire vet bill and extended beyond to fund his upcoming appointment in two weeks. Words fall short of expressing the depth of our gratitude. To all who extended a helping hand, we can only hope that your kindness returns to you threefold in blessings.

When we say this, we speak for the entire animal rescue community - Every donation, like, comment, or share on our social media posts is more than a gesture; it is a lifeline of support that makes us feel seen, heard, and connected.

So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you! Your generosity lightened our load, enabled us to provide Louis with the needed treatment, and made us feel a little less lonely in our mission.💛

21/11/2023

Not long ago, we rescued Louis, a juvenile peacock, from one of Cape Town's feral colonies. Louis was underweight, in terrible condition, and struggling to balance with an inward-bent leg. Despite our immediate efforts, his condition deteriorated, prompting us to seek urgent medical attention.

Yesterday, we took Louis to Exotic Vet Century City for a comprehensive checkup. Thankfully, the X-rays showed no permanent damage to his legs. However, some abnormalities were seen in his digestive system, leading to a diagnosis of delayed gastric emptying and Metabolic Bone Disease. These conditions are linked to his slow weight gain and balancing issues. Without immediate treatment, Louis would eventually lose mobility, necessitating the difficult decision of euthanasia.

While Louis is currently receiving the best possible treatment, our funds are depleted. As the sole facility dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and responsibly rehoming peafowl in Cape Town, we bear the significant cost of assisting injured or orphaned birds from several feral colonies.

We currently have an outstanding vet fee of R855.66. Therefore, we are reaching out to our community for financial support. If only a few individuals could contribute R100.00, we could cover Louis's medical costs. Your donations are vital for us to sustain our rescue efforts. Louis is not just another bird; he is an intellectual being deserving of our care and compassion.

If you would like to contribute to Louis's medical treatment, our banking details are as follows:

West Coast Bird Rescue
First National Bank (FNB)
Branch Code: FIRNZAJJ
Account Number: 63055642730
Ref: Louis - Name and Surname

We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr Karli du Preez and her remarkable team for treating Louis with such exceptional and professional care during his visit. He even received some blueberry treats.💛

17/11/2023

After a year of dedicated weekend training, we are thrilled to announce that our facility has been awarded a SAFRING permit!

This permit is a significant milestone for us, enabling us to permanently ring rehabilitated wild birds with SAFRING metal bands before release. Each ring carries a unique identification number, allowing us to track the post-release journey of our rehabilitated birds. Through resightings of the birds, we can gather valuable information on their movements, breeding success, age, and overall survival.

This achievement has been a longstanding dream for us, and it would not have been possible without the comprehensive training by Loutjie Steenberg. We extend heartfelt thanks to Loutjie for the countless hours, guidance, and advice that made this achievement possible. A special acknowledgement also goes out to Leon Strauss for his invaluable contribution to the training process.

We are excited about the positive impact that this permit will have on our efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and release wild birds in the Western Cape. Here is to the next chapter in our journey!

If you want to learn more about SAFRING, visit their website: https://safring.birdmap.africa/

Additionally, you can also join the SAFRING Facebook group to see all the interesting birds that have been resighted with rings or even report one yourself.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SAFRING/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

13/11/2023

Understanding Avian Pox in Wild Birds:

Avian pox is a common viral infection that affects various bird species worldwide. This dove was admitted to our facility with a typical avian pox lesion near the eye. Avian pox is characterised by wart-like growths or lesions on the skin, mucous membranes, beak, or eyes, as seen in this case.

The virus is highly infectious and is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes or through direct contact with infected birds. Additionally, birds may contract the virus indirectly by coming into contact with, ingesting, or inhaling contaminants from feeders, food, and water.

Early detection of this virus is crucial for successful treatment. However, if left untreated, avian pox can lead to severe complications, affecting the overall health and survival of the infected bird. Fortunately, this dove was rescued before the infection could spread, and now it is expected to make a successful recovery in our care.

If you observe any wild birds showing signs of avian pox, please contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitation facility to assist with intervention.

12/11/2023

Let us end the weekend well with some delightful news to share! Two of our Muscovy ducks, Frikkie and his partner Vroutjie, have found a wonderful new home in Nieuwoudtville. When Suzette applied to adopt them, we instantly knew it was the perfect match after nearly 11 months of searching for the right home.

Frikkie, rescued after being abandoned at a local dam in Cape Town, and Vroutjie, surrendered to our facility, became a cherished part of our family during their time with us. Although saying goodbye was tough, we are overjoyed knowing they are now in a home where they will be loved and appreciated just as much. Thank you, Suzette, for providing such a caring home for these two.

11/11/2023

Today marked a truly special moment at our facility. Mia, one of our rescued Cornish Cross chickens, laid her very first egg. This is extraordinary because Cornish chickens, commonly known as broilers, are typically raised for meat and are often slaughtered within weeks, never reaching an age where they can lay eggs.

These birds are raised with high-protein feeds for rapid growth, which makes their bodies unable to support themselves and, furthermore, not conducive to egg production. This farming practice denies them the opportunity to engage in natural behaviours like nesting or laying eggs.

For Mia, this was a bittersweet milestone. She enjoyed the simple, natural act of laying an egg—something denied to many like her. Whether you have followed Mia's journey or are new to her story, she was rescued after being used in a religious sacrificial ritual. She survived an attempted drowning in the Milnerton Lagoon with an injured body and a dislocated wing. Since then, Mia has become an integral and cherished part of our family, and she is here to stay.💛

08/11/2023

This Cattle egret was found beside a busy road, in an extremely weak and emaciated condition, with its feathers covered in an oil-like substance. After intensive care and a thorough cleaning, the bird is now stable.

Remarkably, Cattle egrets have the potential to live for up to 23 years in the wild. We hope this one will have a long and healthy life ahead.

07/11/2023

Leo showing off his tail. He is such a handsome boy.😊

04/11/2023

Did you know that the Common waxbill female can lay between 4 to 7 eggs, with both parents taking turns to incubate them? Recently, a nest with these six waxbill chicks, including an egg, was found in a school playground. In just a few weeks, these little ones will be ready to spread their wings and be released back into the wild.

03/11/2023

When you were initially destined to be KFC, but ended up being rescued, and now you're just a chunky little lady who enjoys sneaking into the house for a cosy spot on the sofa. Happy weekend, everyone.😂

01/11/2023

Today, we admitted four newly hatched Cape Spurfowl chicks who had become separated and abandoned by their parents. Small chicks like these cannot regulate their temperature and rely on their parents for warmth. If left unattended, they can quickly become cold, weak and hypothermic. That is why it is crucial to immediately provide a heat source when rescuing such birds until they can be taken to a wildlife rehabilitation facility.

If you come across a situation like this, please refrain from attempting to force-feed or give any fluids. Instead, gently place the bird on a soft towel or blanket and provide heat, such as a warm water bottle (not boiling water) or a warm beanbag.

31/10/2023

A few weeks ago, we welcomed two button quail to our facility, thanks to the kind actions of a mother and her daughter. After visiting a pet shop, they noticed these two frightened and injured birds confined to a cramped wire cage alongside doves.

Without hesitation, she purchased them to save them from their distressing situation. After reaching out to several rescue organisations with no success, she contacted us, and we gladly agreed to take them with the intent to rehome them responsibly.

These two quails, who arrived with open wounds and skin hanging loose from the trauma of wire cages, have shown remarkable progress in our care. Soon, they will be ready for adoption, giving them a chance at a safe and welcoming future. However, this serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of making ethical choices when acquiring pets. The exploitation of birds, as witnessed here, is a cruel reality that can be prevented if we end the demand, which, in turn, stops the supply! Instead, support rescue organisations or obtain pets from reputable breeders.

27/10/2023

Happily rehomed! We have some heartwarming news to share this Friday afternoon - Bella has found her forever home with the most wonderful family.

Sometimes, when we receive adoption applications for birds, we just know in our hearts that it is the perfect match. That is precisely what happened when Fiona and her husband applied to adopt Bella. We had no doubt that Bella would flourish in their home. Now, Bella receives all the love and attention she deserves while bringing endless joy to her new family. Thank you, Fiona, for embracing this special girl with such warmth and care. May you have a lot of wonderful years together.

25/10/2023

We recently welcomed two Helmeted guineafowl keets into our facility. The first keet was the last to hatch from a nest, finding itself alone as its parents and siblings had already moved on. Meanwhile, the second keet was rescued by a caring community member after being caught by a cat. These little ones will be raised in our care and released into a suitable and safe environment when they reach adulthood.

24/10/2023

When you step out to feed some birds and you come back to find a lazy peacock on the sofa.😂

Leo is such a delightful boy and would surely make a wonderful addition to the right family.

Address

Cape Town

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27790504796

Website

facebook.com

Alerts

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Videos

These are Greater striped swallow chicks. Swallows are insectivorous birds that eat various insects caught in flight. When raised in a wildlife rehabilitation facility, they are fed a variety of store-bought insects such as crickets, mealworms and pupae. These babies have a good appetite. One chick can eat up to 21 crickets daily. #capetownsouthafrica #birdrehabilitation #rescueanimals #capetown #wildbird #wildlife #birdrescue #WildlifeWednesday

Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible moms out there! Here at West Coast Bird Rescue, we also celebrate this day, and although we may not have little humans running around, we have something just as precious - all the orphaned and abandoned babies we care for. Because you see, motherhood transcends species boundaries. It is a universal language of compassion, nurturing, and selflessness. So on this particular day, we admire and celebrate all the moms - from the expecting moms to the tired moms, the moms experiencing loss, the animal companion moms, and every mom in between. We wish you a day filled with love, appreciation, and joy. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there, no matter the form they take! #happymothersday #birdrescue #peafowl #peachick