Orphaned Animals
Some wildlife may look orphaned or abandoned, but not actually need your help.
Orphaned Animals
Many baby animals brought to Umoya Khulula Wildlife Centre each year are not really “orphans” in need of the kind of care that the Centre provides. In fact, many animals brought to the Centre are in need of no “help” from humans at all. They are young animals still receiving care from their parents, or young animals that are ready to live, and thrive, on their own. Umoya Khulula encourages those who care about wildlife to ask questions before intervening. To do so, please contact us. Despite our natural inclinations, the best chance of survival for a young uninjured animal is often to leave it in its parents’ care.
If you do find a truly orphaned or injured young animal, prepare a lidded box for the young animal by placing a cloth or non-raveling towel on the bottom of the box. Wearing gloves [latex, gardening gloves, and/or small leather gloves], gently pick up the baby animal and place it in the box. Keep the box in a quiet place away from children and pets.
Unless specifically advised to do so by a permitted wildlife rehabilitator, please do not attempt to offer food or water. Such treatment is likely to cause more harm than good. Many wild animals have very sensitive stomachs and require very special diets; baby animals can also easily aspirate, which can lead to pneumonia or death.
Don’t “kidnap” a wild animal! Things to look for if you think a wild animal of any age needs rescue are the Five Cs. If an animal demonstrates any of these five symptoms, it is an emergency and he needs immediate help:
- Is he Crying?
- Is he Coming toward you (approaching people)?
- Is he Covered with blood or insects?
- Has he been Caught by a cat or a dog?
- Is he Cold?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, immediately call Umoya Khulula Wildlife Centre.
Vounteer with Us
Umoya Khulula Wildlife Centre offers a once in a lifetime volunteer experience. Our paid-for volunteer programme is designed to give volunteers a genuine understanding of the rescue, rehabilitation, rewilding, and release processes, for a variety of wild animals.
What We Do
Umoya Khulula operates as a 24-hour wildlife rescue centre in South Africa.
Umoya Khulula rescues animals from cases that can be ascribed to human effect, whether it be due to ignorance, negligence, or cruelty.
The objective of wildlife rehabilitation is to provide licensed care to sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals so ultimately they can be returned to their normal wild environment. Animals in rehabilitation can spend anywhere from a few days to several months at Umoya Khulula before release. It all depends on the species, how old they were when they arrived, and the severity of their injuries.
Releases take place on sites that have been inspected and approved by Umoya Khulula animal care staff. Release sites are often large acreages, and all are chosen to meet species-specific needs for vegetation and terrain and that have year-round water and food sources.
RESCUE: 1st stage at our wildlife rescue centre
Umoya Khulula rescues animals from cases that can be ascribed to human effect, whether it be due to ignorance, negligence, or cruelty.
REHABILITATION: 2nd stage at our wildlife rescue centre
The objective of wildlife rehabilitation is to provide licensed care to sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals so ultimately they can be returned to their normal wild environment. Animals in rehabilitation can spend anywhere from a few days to several months at Umoya Khulula before release. It all depends on the species, how old they were when they arrived, and the severity of their injuries.
RELEASE: Final stage at our wildlife rescue centre
Releases take place on sites that have been inspected and approved by Umoya Khulula animal care staff. Release sites are often large acreages, and all are chosen to meet species-specific needs for vegetation and terrain and that have year-round water and food sources.
