animal heroes Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/animal-heroes/ Wed, 06 Mar 2024 09:22:24 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-gtg_favicon-32x32.png animal heroes Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/animal-heroes/ 32 32 Betty’s Bay Residents Volunteer to Transport Penguins in Need! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/bettys-bay-residents-volunteer-to-transport-penguins-in-need/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/bettys-bay-residents-volunteer-to-transport-penguins-in-need/#respond Wed, 06 Mar 2024 09:30:38 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=119696

The Penguin-Pals Project is going to help so many penguins get the help they need thanks to Betty’s Bay residents who have volunteered to transport penguins to rescue facilities! Not...

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The Penguin-Pals Project is going to help so many penguins get the help they need thanks to Betty’s Bay residents who have volunteered to transport penguins to rescue facilities! Not only will they be playing a helpful role as penguin ‘Uber drivers’, but they’ll also be saving rescue staff a lot of time.

 

Betty’s Bay, South Africa (06 March 2024) — The Southern African Foundation For The Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) is getting a helping hand from the Betty’s Bay community thanks to residents who have volunteered their time to be part of the Penguin-Pals Project!

SANCCOB is responsible for rescuing and rehabilitating many of South Africa’s seabirds. But, there are only so many staff members. Journeys to assist penguins in need often mean many hours on the road, which in turn leaves staff members unable to help other seabirds while trekking these distances.

As Tim Elliot of the Betty’s Bay Conservancy (BBC) shares:

“Up until now SANCCOB have had no option but to send one of their own staff from Betty’s Bay all the way in to Tableview, in Cape Town, in the event of an injured or sick penguin or other seabird. Everyone at the Stony Point Nature Reserve has enough on their plate without sitting in a vehicle for the three hour plus round trip.” 

This is where the Betty’s Bay community have decided to help lighten the load of responsibility. As part of BBC’s Penguin-Pals Project, residents have offered to share their time and transport any struggling seabirds to Somerset West—a big chunk of the distance that will undoubtedly help staff members save on time and transport expenses.

Training was underway in late February for the Penguin-Pals’ volunteers.

“There was a lot of enthusiasm and excitement at the prospect of being involved and being able to help constructively,” adds Tim. 

This initiative displays not only how a little help can go a long way (quite literally), but also sets the path for future Penguin-Pals Projects outside of Betty’s Bay! Word at the colony is, SANCCOB may also need some volunteers in Gordons Bay too, so don’t be afraid to spread the word!


Sources: Betty’s Bay Conservancy
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

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Team of Volunteers Keep a Loving Eye on Buffel the Elephant Seal https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/team-of-volunteers-keep-a-loving-eye-on-buffel-the-elephant-seal/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/team-of-volunteers-keep-a-loving-eye-on-buffel-the-elephant-seal/#respond Thu, 22 Feb 2024 08:00:43 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=119053

Buffel the elephant seal (and local sealebrity) has what some might call guardian angels on the lookout during his ‘holiday’ in Hermanus. Thanks to these hero volunteers, Buffel’s very vulnerable...

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Buffel the elephant seal (and local sealebrity) has what some might call guardian angels on the lookout during his ‘holiday’ in Hermanus. Thanks to these hero volunteers, Buffel’s very vulnerable time is being watched over; keeping him safe and healthy:

 

Hermanus, South Africa (22 February 2024) — A team of volunteers came together after community organisation Onrus Vermont SRA (who are dedicated to serving their community and environment) put out the call for people to volunteer their time as guardian angels of Buffel, the elephant seal.

This call was to ensure that Buffel’s haul in Hermanus (moulting time in the world of the elephant seal) is as safe as possible for as long as he is on our beaches.

Buffel is a very special elephant seal with a penchant for South African beaches when it comes to his annual haul (here’s why!). In fact, since 2016, he’s been spotted making our local coasts his chosen destinations. Given his state as a rare species (even rarer to find hauling in our part of the world), Buffel’s visit is a pretty big deal.

On 8 February ‘Friends of Buffel’ volunteers were called on to keep their eyes and ears on the ground for the elephant seal while he is in his most vulnerable state. This was especially important after Buffel was harassed near Milk on the Beach; forcing him to head to the sea.

Buffel is spending a lot of time on land, cannot hunt and has lost hundreds of kilograms as part of his haul. So any harassment and interference are incredibly disorientating for him.

Luckily for Buffel, his friends have united and been on the case. Meredith Thornton of Onrus Vermont RSA tells Good Things Guy that her team have for 17 days, worked tirelessly to ensure that the famous elephant seal has had a force of kindness backing him.

“It has been amazing to see how the community has rallied to ensure that he is safe while is here,” she shares.

Almost every day since Buffel was discovered in Hermanus, Onrus Vermont have shared updates on him and his wellbeing. This community have not only educated the public and made sure Buffel is protected as long as they’re on call, but also organised donations for security to guard the elephant seal at all hours of the day and night on top of

Buffel’s holiday has since seen him enjoy snoozes in the sand (ever welcomed for his itching skin), celebrate Valentine’s Day with his volunteers, enjoy his own ‘seal resting sign’ (so everyone knows the to be considerate), get his own special tag with his name for mark-recapture, and even experience a little beach yoga.

Buffel’s haul is a month-long experience which will likely continue into early March. But with his friends looking out for him, we’re sure his holiday will be another Cape adventure to remember.


Sources: Onrus Vermont SRA 
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Family Donates Much-Needed Brick Gifts to Help Underdogs! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/family-donates-much-needed-brick-gifts-to-help-underdogs/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/family-donates-much-needed-brick-gifts-to-help-underdogs/#respond Mon, 19 Feb 2024 11:00:10 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=118832

When the Underdog SA Pitbull Rehab Centre sent out the call for building materials to the community to help their desperate situation to house more dogs, they were met with...

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When the Underdog SA Pitbull Rehab Centre sent out the call for building materials to the community to help their desperate situation to house more dogs, they were met with little support…until one woman and her family decided to give the underdogs an upper hand!

 

Pretoria, South Africa (19 February 2024)—The Underdogs SA Pitbull Rehabilitation Centre in Pretoria recently welcomed roughly 1300 to 1400 gifts worth as much as a dream coming true—bricks! While bricks as a gift might seem like an unconventional choice to the everyday Joe, for the pit bull champions hoping to house more pit bulls, these are essential building blocks for a heartwarming future that will help one of the most misunderstood breeds in need.

In December, Underdogs called out to the community and shared word of desperate plans to build more kennels. In 2023, the rehabilitation centre saw 107 intakes and 86 successful adoptions, but with limited kennel spaces and many people begging the facility to take in pit bulls despite the space issues, owner inspector Estelle Smith—a longtime pit bull champion—and her centre were under a lot of stress.

When little help had come forth in assisting with the building hopes and essential dreams, things were looking bleak. That was until Yolanda van der Merwe and her family stepped in to give the underdogs the upper hand on their situation.

Thanks to Yolanda and the van der Merwes, a healthy amount of bricks have made their way to the centre who shared their deep gratitude for her kindness.

“There was members of the public who promised to help us for we are in desperate need to build more kennels but nothing materialised,” the centre shared as to why Yolanda’s brick gifts meant so much. 

Other hopes Underdogs have are to organise cement, building sand, reinforcing wire, fencing, angle iron, square tubing, round bar, and roof sheeting, amongst others that Estelle would be happy to chat to any pit bull lovers about.

You can contact the underdogs at management@underdogs.co.za!

Meanwhile in other hopeful news for dogs, 5 dogs rescued from the Cambodian meat trade have finally landed safely in Cape Town where the journey to find them forever homes has commenced. Survivors and ambassadors of all the dogs who have suffered before them; their new chapter in the Mother City is not only their best option for the loving life they should’ve always had, but a reminder of the incredible people who did not give up on them.


Sources: Underdogs SA Pitbull Rehabilitation Centre 
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Help A Paw Launches Its Animal Ambulance Service to Help Even More Pets! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/help-a-paw-launches-its-animal-ambulance-service-to-help-even-more-pets/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/help-a-paw-launches-its-animal-ambulance-service-to-help-even-more-pets/#respond Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:00:34 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=118699

Help A Paw is now able to race to the rescue of more pets in need thanks to the launch of its new Animal Ambulance service!   Somerset West, South...

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Help A Paw is now able to race to the rescue of more pets in need thanks to the launch of its new Animal Ambulance service!

 

Somerset West, South Africa (15 February 2024) Help A Paw recently shared word of an incredible update in the world of animal rescues—the launch of its new Animal Ambulance Service!

According to the animal rescue service, in many communities, animals often can’t get the help they desperately need because their owners say they do not have transport to get to the necessary facilities. On the other side of the coin, many rescuers have full time jobs and cannot be on call for pick-ups as much as they wish they could.

“We get on average 10 to 20 requests [regarding] sick pets a day,”says Help A Paw, who mention the sad reality that some animals will lie in ailing conditions for days because of their owners’ lack of transport. 

“We are now eliminating that excuse.” 

The new Animal Ambulance was launched on 5 February and will run for a pilot month; comprised of a welfare and private component. The latter will act almost as a pet Uber service—focusing on factors like grooming and physio drop-offs—which the team hopes will help subsidise the welfare side.

The animals will also be in great hands, considering ambulance drivers are trained in animal welfare practices, handling, and first aid.

“Any person in the area that we service has no excuse not to get the veterinary help their animals need now and anyone found leaving their pets to suffer will be called up on the APA (Animal Protection Act).”

Should the Animal Ambulance go well in its debut month, the team hope it will become open to even more animal rescue workers!


Sources: Website Submission; Help a Paw 
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Cheers to TEARS Who Started 2024 with So Many Small Victories https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/cheers-to-tears-who-started-2024-with-so-many-small-victories/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/cheers-to-tears-who-started-2024-with-so-many-small-victories/#respond Wed, 07 Feb 2024 11:00:47 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=118275

Following an especially stressful end to 2023, TEARS Animal Rescue is celebrating waves of good news and small victories that we can all raise our glasses (or water bowls) to!...

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Following an especially stressful end to 2023, TEARS Animal Rescue is celebrating waves of good news and small victories that we can all raise our glasses (or water bowls) to!

 

Cape Town, South Africa (07 February 2024) — TEARS Animal Rescue are celebrating an epic start to the year filled with many small victories, and we can all raise our glasses (or water bowls) to that.

2023 didn’t come without its challenges for the shelter, which, through its kennel and cattery, collectively rehabilitates and rehomes around 1000 rescues annually on top of the other imperative animal care services they provide.

In December, TEARS found itself over capacity with 338 animals in its care, forcing the shelter to temporarily close the door on new intakes—a very tough call for animal lovers.

As Operations Manager Mandy Store shared, adoptions were down nearly 40% for their Kennel shelter. This put enormous pressure on their resources.

But, TEARS is back with a bang and an abundance of small victories that have started 2024 on the right paw.

According to the rescue centre, January came with fewer worries and more moments to celebrate thanks to their kind-hearted community.

Small Victories to Cheers to!

TEARS achieved:

  • 303 sterilisations
  • 792 vaccinations
  • 660 veterinary procedures (clinic visitors and hospital admissions)
  • 3 948 meals for the animals
  • 114 shelter intakes
  • 378 adoptable pets
  • AND 92 adoptions

Animal care is no smooth road. But, as TEARS’ turn-around reminds us, when you act with ‘pawpose’, you never know just how much good news is around the corner.

You can help keep the high note going by getting involved in supporting TEARS here.


Sources: TEARS Animal Shelter
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

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The First Penguin Rescue of 2024 Went Swimmingly! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/the-first-penguin-rescue-of-2024-went-swimmingly/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/the-first-penguin-rescue-of-2024-went-swimmingly/#respond Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:00:35 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=117866

The first penguin rescue of the year that headed to SANCCOB saw a moulting juvenile in the wrong place at the right time. Thanks to a marine wildlife hero, this...

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The first penguin rescue of the year that headed to SANCCOB saw a moulting juvenile in the wrong place at the right time. Thanks to a marine wildlife hero, this rescue has meant the penguin is in a safe space and its adult plumage is looking dapper!

 

Cape Town, South Africa (31 January 2024) — The first penguin rescue of the year for SANCCOB tells the story of a young penguin, the journey to a decent place to moult, and a little info about this stage of a penguin’s life! 

Earlier this month, a juvenile African penguin likely looking for a safe place to moult, found itself outside the Radisson Blue in Cape Town. For those who haven’t been to the Aquarium in a minute, moulting refers to the ‘out with the old, in with the new’ feathers stage of a penguin’s year. For juveniles, this moulting plumage is considered the last stop before becoming a fully-fledged penguin. Importantly, during moulting time, penguins can’t swim. 

So, when this juvenile penguin was spotted in the water outside a hotel likely on the search for land, Martine Viljoen, the Marine Wildlife Management Programme Assistant at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, understood the assignment. 

Martine was eventually able to facilitate the rescue with a net on a slipway at The Water Club. She tells Good Things Guy that the Juvenile Arrested moulter weighed in at 3.66kg and was mildly dehydrated with small cuts on the feet and an injured top eyelid. 

Martine and the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation knew that the penguin needed a safe space to complete the moult, so naturally SANCCOB (The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) would soon be getting a visit. 

When they arrived, the freshly rescued penguin got the number AP001—making it the first penguin rescue of 2024 at SANCCOB.

Updating Good Things Guy, Martine shared that AP001 has now completed its moult.

“[AP001] is looking beautiful in their new adult plumage with its first black and white colouration. AP001 is currently a 1 hour swimmer in SANCCOB Rehab pens, meaning their waterproofing is looking good enough to hopefully be signed off for release soon.”


Sources: Martine Viljoen 
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

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High Schoolers’ Handmade Cards Bring Hope to This SPCA https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/high-schoolers-handmade-cards-bring-hope-to-this-spca/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/high-schoolers-handmade-cards-bring-hope-to-this-spca/#respond Mon, 29 Jan 2024 13:28:02 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=117733

High Schoolers in the Free State brought handmade cards and other goodies to their local SPCA; making the team’s day that much brighter!   Virginia, South Africa (29 January 2024)...

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High Schoolers in the Free State brought handmade cards and other goodies to their local SPCA; making the team’s day that much brighter!

 

Virginia, South Africa (29 January 2024) — Working in animal welfare might be one of the most rewarding fields, but it’s also one of the hardest. In between adoptions, successful rescues and heartwarming moments are many tough moments shrouded in stress where the light at the end of the tunnel seems more metaphorical than possible. But sometimes light sneaks in when it’s least expected. And sometimes light looks like the youth, handmade cards and smiles from those you inspire.

For the Virginia SPCA team, a visit from Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners from St. Andrews came at just the right time. Not only did the students and their teachers bring tins of food for the animals as well as big bags of meals, but something so thoughtful it made everything else glow even more.

The learners brought handmade cards for the Virginia SPCA, thanking the staff for their very hard work. One student thanked them, in particular, for spending New Year’s rescuing dogs (in reference to all the dogs that, in a state after New Year’s Eve fireworks exploded, ran away). Others thanked them for the love and care they put in no matter the day. One even called the SPCA the king of the world!

“On dark days, we remind ourselves that there is hope! Hope through our youth!” the Virginia SPCA shared of the thoughtful visit. 

Donations go a long way, but when tied with the morale boost that these wishes bring, they will go even further.


Sources: Virginia SPCA 
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

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Africa’s Largest Vulture Relocation Marks a Conservation Milestone! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/africas-largest-vulture-relocation-marks-a-conservation-milestone/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/africas-largest-vulture-relocation-marks-a-conservation-milestone/#respond Tue, 23 Jan 2024 12:00:44 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=117437

A massive milestone in conservation has been achieved thanks to the relocation of 160 vultures in the Eastern Cape! The vulture relocation mission is imperative in securing the future of...

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A massive milestone in conservation has been achieved thanks to the relocation of 160 vultures in the Eastern Cape! The vulture relocation mission is imperative in securing the future of these wild populations in Southern Africa:

 

Eastern Cape, South Africa (23 January 2024) — The first phase of a project to secure the future of wild vulture populations in Southern Africa has successfully been completed with 160 Cape and African White-backed vultures settled at Shamwari Private Game Reserve—their new home.

The birds are the vanguard of a two-year project to establish a breeding facility, VulPro (the only vulture conservation organisation of its kind in Africa founded by Kerri Wolter) at Shamwari, for sick or injured vultures that have been rehabilitated and are able to breed, but aren’t releasable. Future hopes are that the offspring of the Cape Vultures will be released at Shamwari where they will help restore the indigenous fauna on the reserve.

In what is the largest relocation of vultures ever undertaken, the birds were transported 1042km from VulPro’s facility in Hartebeespoort to their new bespoke enclosures at Shamwari.

The move involved over 50 people and took 18 hours. All 160 birds loaded in just 3 hours. NGO WeWild Africa, who specialises in animal rewilding and translocation, made sure the loading went smoothly and funded the crates!

Other everyday heroes involved were Professor Katja Koeppel from the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Dr Johan Joubert from Shamwari.

This is the beginning of more good news to come, with a second phase on the horizon later this year. Then, the relocation of breeding pairs of non-releasable, Lappet-faced, White-headed and Hooded Vultures and some White-backed Vultures will be part of the second big release.

What is Causing Widespread Population Collapse of These Savanna Raptors?

According to a study recently published in Nature, Ecology & Evolution by Dr Phil Shaw, raptors, including vultures, are at “considerable risk from habitat conversion, prey-base depletion and persecution, driven principally by human population expansion.”

Why is This Conservation Milestone so Important?

Joe Colette, Shamwari’s CEO puts it succinctly:

“To put it in perspective, in conservation terms I consider this as significant as relocating 160 rhino. Vultures are vital for a healthy ecosystem and are severely threatened. I cannot overstate how reintroducing Cape Vultures to Shamwari is crucial to our conservation journey and enhancing the ecological importance of the reserve and the Eastern Cape.”

Watch the Relocation Mission!


Sources: Supplied 
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

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Mdzananda Animal Clinic Celebrates December Victories  https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/mdzananda-animal-clinic-celebrates-december-victories/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/mdzananda-animal-clinic-celebrates-december-victories/#respond Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:06:21 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=117216

While much of South Africa was Dezemba’ing, many heroes made sure that community work did not slow down. Team members of Mdzananda Animal Clinic recently shared their December victories, and...

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While much of South Africa was Dezemba’ing, many heroes made sure that community work did not slow down. Team members of Mdzananda Animal Clinic recently shared their December victories, and it’s a big reminder of what can happen when kindness doesn’t take a day off:

 

Khayelitsha, South Africa (19 January 2024) — We have a great deal of respect for the people who—while so much of South Africa was Dezemba’ing and living their best life on leave—stepped up or stepped in to make sure community work continued. Team members of the Mdzananda Animal Clinic are part of these heroes. Thanks to them, animals in Khayelitsha did not go without care and help during December 2023.

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic hardly had a smooth end to the year following an unfortunate incident that shook their team members when their Fencing Project was reportedly impacted by criminals.

But, this hardly deterred them from continuing their work—which includes sterilising, operating mobile clinics, caring for ill or injured animals and educating community members on how to care for animals.

Celebrating those who went above and beyond, Mdzananda recently took to share the results of what that extra effort looks like in numbers.

  • Consultations saw 1172 animals cared for
  • The mobile clinics were in full swing and treated 258 animals on the move
  • 246 theatre operations were made possible, while 126 hospitalisations saw patients treated in their animal hospital
  • 2313 vaccinations, dewormers and tick/flea treatments were provided
  • 35 ambulance transportations occurred
  • 200 sterilisations were made possible
  • 149 meters of the public were educated on animal care and well-being

Meanwhile, in the news of others who made sure December 2023 was a hopeful time for those who most needed it, the Hope Exchange and Ladels of Love were in action to ensure that hungry stomaches received a hearty meal every day over the festive season.

Rising up over December 2023 for our environment, volunteer organisations worked tirelessly to restore beaches to their beauty after New Year celebrations, and Greenpop celebrated hundreds of new trees that’ll take to soil this year thanks to people who chose kindness to the Earth as festive gifts.

All around, many people didn’t take a day off from kindness. And many welcomed new seeds of kindness in the same time frame. And we think that’s a sign of a pretty successful festive season for sure.


Sources: Mdzananda Animal Clinic; GTG 
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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

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Phabeni the Ellie Enjoys Healthy Weight and a New Playmate https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/phabeni-the-ellie-enjoys-healthy-weight-and-a-new-playmate/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/phabeni-the-ellie-enjoys-healthy-weight-and-a-new-playmate/#respond Tue, 09 Jan 2024 10:00:30 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=116503

Baby ellie Phabeni is celebrating small victories after his rescue at the end of November. Now settling into his new herd nicely, he’s already gained weight and has a new...

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Baby ellie Phabeni is celebrating small victories after his rescue at the end of November. Now settling into his new herd nicely, he’s already gained weight and has a new playmate:

 

Hoedspruit, South Africa (09 January 2024) — Orphaned baby ellie Phabeni has made significant progress since his rescue in late November. As the young elephant navigates his youth guided by the heroes of HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development), he is also celebrating small victories. Two of the most important? A healthy weight and a new playmate.

In case you missed it, Phabeni was initially found in an unusual setting—the garden of a woman who lived near the Kruger National Park. After she realised that the little elephant in the garden appeared to be completely on his own, she set in motion all the stops to get Phabeni the help he needed; saving his life in the process from those who thought it better to put him down.

Phabeni soon found himself in his new home under the careful care of Dr Rogers, the all-star carers at HERD and Lammie the sheep. In less than two months, the ellie has made fantastic progress.

One of the biggest small victories in Phabeni’s progress is his weight gain. In the world of rescues (especially for orphaned wildlife) weight gain is hugely important as it signifies their health is on track. Take Khanyisa’s weight milestone of a tonne, or Mpho the rhino’s great growth.

Described as a feisty young bull, Phabeni didn’t make the journey to weight gain the easiest with his milk feeds. But, as the HERD team shares, “no one ever said parenting was easy.” Like a stubborn toddler, after enough time, Phabeni’s cooperation improved. His weight is now up and sitting at 136 kg.

Above and beyond a little more junk in his trunk, Phabeni also has a new playmate and companion to share his youth with.

While Lammie the sheep has served HERD well, the nurse’s more mature years are on the horizon. As such, Spotty the Sheep has been brought on board as Phabeni’s new nursery-mate, Grace buddy and fellow garden explorer.

Weight gain and a new buddy in the same era? Life continues to look up for Phabeni, and we’re here for every part of it.


Sources: HERD
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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