DANA BAY NEWS - An injured female Cape grysbok was recently found in Flora Road, Dana Bay, after she was hit by a vehicle.
According to Erika van der Westhuizen, chairperson of the Dana Bay Conservancy, the motorist who hit the animal had reportedly left her in the middle of the road and drove away.
Shortly after, the grysbok was found by a resident, who wishes to remain anonymous. He contacted Van der Westhuizen, who made arrangements for the grysbok’s treatment.
The animal was taken to the Mossel Bay Animal Hospital and treated for a severe cut to her leg. She was kept at the hospital overnight for observation, in the hopes that she would recover.
However, further tests revealed she was suffering from extensive internal injuries and unfortunately, she had to be euthanised the next morning, 28 March.
Van der Westhuizen told the Advertiser that grysboks are incredibly shy animals and are not seen as often as other fauna. “We don’t actually know how many are left in the area, because of how shy they are,” she said.
Van der Westhuizen has urged motorists to exercise caution when driving in Dana Bay, where wildlife is routinely spotted.
The Dana Bay Conservancy aims to protect these wildlife species, but a lack of accountability stemming from failing to report animals struck by vehicles has led to a high number of casualties, she says.
The conservancy also recently discovered an owl that had been killed by a motor vehicle - ironically in front of the organisation’s sign informing the public that Dana Bay is an urban conservancy.
In another instance, a fairly large tortoise was run over by an allegedly speeding car.
The tortoise was dragged along the road and sustained injuries to its body. Because the incident was reported by a witness, the tortoise was rescued and is currently undergoing treatment.
“If the tortoise makes it, it will take about two months for him to be rehabilitated. Speeding is not just about the grysbok, but about all the animals,” said Van der Westhuizen.
Members of the public are urged to contact the applicable authorities such as the Dana Bay Conservancy (071 625 1783), the Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay branch (072 287 1761), the Mossel Bay Animal Hospital (044 691 2485) or the Hartenbos Animal Hospital (044 695 1086) when such incidents occur, instead of leaving the animals to suffer.
The tortoise that was rescued by the Dana Bay Conservancy and is currently undergoing treatment. Photo: Erika van der Westhuizen
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