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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - Saving an animal in distress must be one of the most rewarding things a human can do. Friday, 10 March, was a good day for a female bushbuck in Dana Bay.
Her hind hoof had been stuck in a hosepipe connection ring for a few months and she battled to walk.
Concerned residents had seen her struggle to move within a two-block radius with her injury for quite a while.
Fortunately, a resident managed to coax her into his garden and was able to identify the cause of her pain. A tenacious Dana Bay resident, Les Bridgland, took it upon himself to find a solution to this problem.
After many calls and being referred from one place to another, a veterinarian from Botlierskop, affiliated to Cape Nature, was contacted. Fortunately, he was able to come the next morning to assist the animal.
Bridgland put a message on the neighbourhood watch group the following morning, asking that anyone who sees the bushbuck contact him to coordinate the darting and treatment of the injured animal.
Soon the antelope was spotted and with little coaxing, was lured into an open garden. The vet was able to dart her and remove the ring from her hoof. Antiseptic spray was administered to the wound and after being given a reversal she got up and started to graze. Reversal drugs are injected and the effects of the anaesthetic disappear quickly. A member of the Dana Bay Conservancy Committee as well as the local vet, Dr Henk Basson (also a committee member) were able to assist in this process.
The Dana Bay community is most grateful this beautiful animal could be saved from suffering further.
She has been spotted numerous times since, walking without any limp.
This occurrence has highlighted the need for Cape Nature vets to work together with local vets to make services like this available to the animals in areas such as Dana Bay.
VIDEO - Bushbuck assisted (Video: Jannie du Plessis).
The Dana Bay Conservancy is one of the oldest in South Africa. The newly-formed committee encourages all residents of Dana Bay to become part of the solution to the threat of the local fauna and flora. The involvement of the local community is the only way we can ensure animals are not harmed and that our unique fynbos is maintained.
An awareness drive was held on Tuesday, 23 March to encourage residents to become members of the conservancy.
Activities such as beach clean-ups and removal of alien vegetation from the green belts and properties as well education on the consequence of littering are some of the goals.
The plight of this bushbuck highlights the consequence of human encroachment on nature’s doorstep.
The newly-appointed Dana Bay committee consists of: Erica van der Westhuizen (chair), Sue Molyneux-Glenn, Michéle Fenn, Colleen Putter, Jane Buchanan, Ilze du Plessis, Dr Henk Basson and Hein Nienaber.
The hose fitting bit into the flesh of the bushbuck.
The female bushbuck was limping until a plan was made to assist her.
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