A large variety of animals, including marine and terrestrial birds and mammals, are treated at Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre outside Plettenberg Bay.
Increased awareness of animal rehabilitation and a growing concern over the wellbeing of wildlife have led to a very busy start at Plettenberg Bay’s Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre on the outskirts of the town.
The centre’s marketing manager Steven Hendriks said that less than two months into 2017, they have taken in almost a third of last year’s rehabilitated animals.
“I believe it is because people are more aware of not only us as a centre, but also a general awareness about wildlife conservation,” Hendriks said.
The centre last year successfully rehabilitated 251 marine and terrestrial birds and mammals, and halfway through February this year it has already taken in 78 animals.
All these critters receive the necessary medical care once they arrive and are released back into the wild when they are strong and healthy enough.
Among the animals that have come through Tenikwa’s gates since the start of the year include penguins, kelp gulls, geese, hedgehogs, porcupines, caracal, deer, a bush baby, a bat and several other bird species.
Every animal that is admitted to Tenikwa’s rehabilitation centre is monitored closely.
