Working with ToPS (Threatened or Protected Species)
It was off to the vet with the Wattled Crane chick picked up grounded in the Hlatikulu area. Dr Margie Roach from Umgeni Veterinary Clinic was on hand to receive the young crane and do a full check to see what damage the legs had sustained.
While there is a lot of swelling on both joints and a tiny hairline fracture on the one, we are hopeful that with some rest and restricted movement to the limb that the crane will recover.
Easier said than done as these birds are very stressed in captivity and tend not to want to eat, so our rehab team will have their work cut out for them.
Dr Margie Roach from Umgeni Veterinary Clinic was on hand to receive the Wattled Crane chick and do a thorough check up on the young bird. (Top image.)
This included getting full body x-rays done, with particular emphasis on the injured legs.
X-rays showed that there were fortunately no other injuries to the crane. But there was quite a lot of soft tissue damage to the joints, and a hairline fracture through the one that will need some time to heal.
On hand to help was Lara Fuller from the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Lara monitors all the crane activity in the province, including the status of breeding pairs, and she was the first person alerted to the plight of the young crane at one of the breeding sites. (Bottom image.)
We love working together, and are always grateful for collaborative efforts and support.
We love what we do, and how we do it. - FreeMe Wildlife
