Wildlife Rescue, Johannesburg.

01/04/2025

When a veterinarian tried to release this Jackal Buzzard, after it had spent a week in his care getting cage rest, he realized that the bird was unable to take off from the ground. Thankfully he managed to recapture it and sent it though to the Kogelberg Biosphere wildlife Rescue Center for some "flight training". During the initial examination at the center it was evident that the poor bird was missing its entire patagium membrane from its right wing and had exposed bone from an open wound underneath its wing. The wound was old and had scabbed over with dry blood and feathers, which is perhaps why the vet had not seen it.
The patagium helps create the necessary airfoil shape for generating lift, allowing birds to take flight and maneuver in the air. The patagium is composed of elastic fibers that stretch with wing extension, contributing to the wing's ability to change shape and maneuver during flight.
Injury to or contracture of the patagium can be catastrophic, potentially leading to a permanent loss of flight capabilities. Sadly, as this patient had no good outcome, it had to be humanely euthanized to end further suffering.
To support the work we do at the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Center please go to www.kogelbergbiosphere.org.za and make a monthly pledge to help us keep our doors open.

30/03/2025

Until Facebook (or Meta) sorts out their mistake and reinstates the Kogelberg Biosphere wildlife page, I will post resent stories here. To run this rescue center means we need to raise awareness and funds on a daily basis. Taking down our page with over 800 followers can cost us lives!

30/03/2025

Facebook, in its infinite wisdom, has suspended the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife page for "impersonating a personality"!
As my wildlife page is a part of the Kogelberg Biosphere this seems to have confused the hell out of META!!
I have asked for a review but they don't give you the option to explain their mistake to them!
Urghhhh.. any one know how to deal with this system?
Please follow our wildlife stories here in the meantime.

14/03/2025

Our emergency number is Michelles phone 0733140674 Please call Corlie on 0823809071 or Dunica at 0680538112 if you cant get me on the phone

"We do this in a way that brings people closer to our planet, so that people of the Kogelberg Biosphere thrive, while living in harmony

25/02/2025

Watter rol sal die Kogelberg-biosfeer-wildredding- en opleidingsentrum op die landskap speel?

Ons Kogelberg-biosfeerkoördineerder, Corlie Hugo, het met Suzanne Paxton op gesels oor die bekendstelling van die sentrum. Ons het die volledige onderhoud hier (luister vanaf ongeveer 48 minute): https://www.rsg.co.za/rsg/potgooi-resultaat/?_sft_category=spektrum-potgooi&post_date=20250218

11/02/2025

True for all species, including entangled turtles!

28/01/2025

A Double Tragedy: A very young blue crane was found alongside its dead mother, who had tragically become entangled in a barbed wire fence.- a horrible way for any bird to die.
The chick was rescued
by the farmer who decided to try and raise it himself. This well-meaning act lead to the 2nd tragedy, an imprinted chick.
Hand-raising wildlife requires very specialised skills to be able to raise a baby so that it recognises its own kind., and should not be undertaken by the public.
Thankfully CapeNature stepped in and the bird was sent to the permitted Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Center.
Here this cheeky chick (who the farmer named Tin-Tin) will receive the correct diet, as well as meet other blue cranes to identify with. The rewilding process will take long and require very special circumstances and care. A Special "soft-release" enclosure will need to be built alongside a wild flock for the final stage of rehabilitation. If you or your company would like to sponsor or support our national bird, please make a pledge towards the rehabilitation of this threatened species. Call Michelle on 0733140674 or go to www.kogelbergbiosphere.org.za
A special thank you goes to our trained first responders, Heather and Erna, who quickly stepped in to ensure that this baby got the best care during the rescue. We cannot manage without our extended team. Call Michelle to find out how you can join our growing network.

02/01/2025

The Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Center, located between Bettys Bay and Pringle Bay, is currently looking for regular volunteers to help with the day to day running of the facility. If you have a passion for conservation, and a few hours to spare a week, please consider becoming a part of our volunteer or first responder network. There is no cost involved to become a volunteers, however those who are interested in becoming a part of our First Responder team will need to complete the basic training. The next course will be run at the rescue center on the 15th and 16th of Feb. Call Michelle to reserve your spot.

01/01/2025

If you live in the Durban area and have a passion for helping wildlife, please consider volunteering at CROW.
And likewise, if you live in the Western Cape, Overberg region, please consider volunteering at the Kogelberg Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue Center.