The Terrace Road Vet Hospital had a young winged visitor this past Monday, 27 December. A black-headed heron had been hit by a car during peak hour traffic, and a kind stranger found him and alerted the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (SAWRC) of his location.
Warning: graphic image
The bird was gently wrapped in a tracksuit top and transported to Dr Shabeer at the Terrace Road Vet Hospital. Dr Shabeer examined the bird and found that ‘not only was the heron’s leg joint completely shattered, but the wing was also nearly severed.’
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Unfortunately, the bird was unable to be saved. SAWRC’s said that ‘we can’t win with all the cases which come our way, but we are very glad this young heron was not left to die slowly next to the road. We wish for our world to be filled with folks like this who go the extra mile to help our indigenous wildlife. They are, after all, all of our responsibility, and deserve the extra help.’
Pictures: South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
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