02/11/2025
SAFE & SHARE!! Thank you Carina Crayton for this crucial information
🐾When Wild Hearts Wander Into Our Lives🐾
Wild animals are incredibly vulnerable when they appear in our neighbourhoods and on our farms: especially if they’re injured, disoriented, or frightened. Many have been harmed by domestic pets or injured by man-made structures or motor vehicle collisions. Sometimes they are simply lost and overwhelmed in unfamiliar surroundings.
For those of us who love animals, the instinct to help is powerful. But even the most heartfelt rescue attempt can unintentionally cause more harm than healing. Without the right experience, knowledge and tools, well-meaning actions can lead to suffering or even death.
🚫 NEVER attempt to catch a dangerous injured wild animal on your own! Wait for professional help, while keeping an eye on the animal.
Please understand that:
💔 Keeping a bird of prey warm against your body can result in its death.
💔 Handling a wild animal can result in its death.
💔 Feeding a bird ProNutro can result in its death.
💔 Giving a mammal cow’s milk can result in its death.
💔 Forcing water down a bird’s throat can result in its death.
💔 Lifting a tortoise incorrectly can cause internal damage.
If you find a wild animal in distress, the most important thing you can do is keep it safe, quiet, and calm while you wait for professional help and guidance. Here’s how:
Minimize Stress - incredibly important! 💚
🐾 Place the animal in a small, ventilated box lined with a clean, soft towel or cloth.
🚫 Never use dirty towels or blankets: they can introduce harmful bacteria or irritants.
🐾 Keep the box in a quiet, dark place, away from pets, children, and noise.
🚫 Avoid touching or talking to the animal. Even gentle voices and movement can be terrifying.
🚫 Do not smoke near the animal. Smoke and strong smells can cause respiratory distress and worsen trauma. This is especially important with Birds of Prey.
🚫No selfies. Flash photography, close contact, and handling for photos can cause panic and injury. Respect the animal’s dignity and distress.
🔥 Provide Gentle Warmth
If the animal feels cold and you’ve been advised to warm it, place a warm (not hot) water bottle wrapped in a towel beside - not under it.
🚫 Never use direct heat, heating pads, or your own body warmth. Birds and small mammals can overheat or go into shock.
🚫 Do Not Feed or Give Water
Feeding the wrong food or forcing water can be fatal.
Many wild animals are dehydrated or in shock, and their systems cannot handle sudden nourishment.
🛡️ Protect Yourself and the Animal
Injured wild animals may bite, peck, scratch, or lash out in fear.
Always use a towel or gloves if you must move the animal, and only do so if absolutely necessary. Your safety matters too, as cuts and bites can carry infection or disease. Always thoroughly wash your hands after handling a Wild Animal. Disinfect any cuts or scratches on your person immediately, and seek medical assistance.
Every species has specific needs. That’s why it’s essential to contact a permitted Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre or your closest veterinarian as soon as possible. These professionals are trained, authorized, and equipped to provide the care that wild animals truly need.
In South Africa, it is illegal to keep indigenous wild animals, including birds, without the proper permits. This law exists to protect both the animals and the people who care for them.
So if you find a wild animal in distress, please pause. Don’t feed, don’t treat, don’t try to fix.
📞 Call the right people.
💚 Let compassion guide you to expertise.
🐾 Make the best decision for the animal - not just the kindest one, but the safest one.
Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation is a registered NPO and Section 18a(1)(a) PBO and runs a fully permitted Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center near Crecy, Naboomspruit, Limpopo Province, South Africa.
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We take in injured and orphaned indigenous wildlife with the goal of rehabilitating them for release back into the wild. Donations are what enable us to do our work.
Paul Roy Oxton 072 478 1808
Carina Crayton whatsapp 083 588 3550
