With tireless effort and perseverance, the Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation is working hard to transform a neglected farm into a sanctuary and rehabilitation centre for wildlife in Limpopo. Countless creatures have already found refuge and rehabilitation at the new facility but assistance is needed to fully equip it.
Limpopo, South Africa (30 September 2024) – The Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation (WHWF), committed to the care and conservation of wildlife throughout Southern Africa, has achieved a major milestone by acquiring a permanent property to serve as its rehabilitation centre.
According to the foundation, for founders Carina Crayton and Paul Oxton, the dream has always been to have a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of their own.
“So, when the time came and the property we had been based on in Roodepoort was sold, we were offered the farm we are currently on, in Limpopo, to start our own facility.
“The move was incredibly expensive, as we had a lot of cages, capture and treatment equipment to transport,” Carina shares.
The new Rehabilitation Center is based 35km outside of Naboomspruit (Mookgopong), on the Roedtan side, on the beautiful Springbokvlakte of the bushveld.
Since being there, Carina and Paul have had many successful rescues, treatments and releases, from Ungulungu the meerkat to several tortoises, owls, birds of prey, porcupines, caracals, squirrels, bushbabies, snakes and many more.
“We are making a difference, and that is what it’s all about. The future of wildlife is in our hands. If it is at all within our power to do so, we will help,” says Carina.
The neglected farmhouse required much renovation work to make it liveable before the WHWF team could start working on the clinic building and the outside area to build second-stage enclosures and outbuilding store rooms.
They have also completed the most beautiful tortoise enclosure where tortoise patients can spend some time recuperating before being genetically mapped for suitable release sites.
“We also applied for our permits from Nature Conservation, which are mandatory for any ethically-minded wildlife rehabilitation center. This process took quite some time, but could not be bypassed.”
Despite the challenges and expenses involved in the move, the Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation remains committed to its mission.
While founders Carina and Paul Oxton have done an impressive job of building what promises to be a haven for neglected and injured wildlife in their new home, they are still in need of important equipment and supplies to carry out their services effectively.
These items include; bush-clearing equipment, fencing and construction materials, some stainless steel treatment tables, a sonar machine, a portable X-ray machine, solar backup power and a serious water filtration system.
To assist with supplies or to make a donation, contact WHWF at wildheartwf.info@gmail.com.
Sources: Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation
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