Help Wildlife With Emergency Medical Treatment

The past two months, from December 2025 through February 2026, we experienced two wildlife emergencies where, despite our best efforts, we were unable to intervene in time.

It was deeply saddening to witness an impala mother calling repeatedly for her newborn calf. We had seen her tiny antelope soon after birth—it was much smaller than the other new calves, but appeared to be fine. Sadly, we later found the little one had died. There was no visible injury or cause, and we believe it may have been due to natural reasons, possibly a premature birth.

No sooner had we accepted that nature sometimes intervenes than another event occurred.

Our night watchman reported a wildebeest on the other side of our boundary on the property of the Agricultural Research Institute. She had a deeply embedded snare around her head. She was lying down, unable to stand. We immediately contacted the manager of the ARC and prepared to assist, but tragically, she had already died. While we were relieved her suffering had ended, we were deeply disturbed by the incident and concerned about the need for stronger anti-poaching measures on that property. We are arranging further meetings with the Institute to encourage improved security.

These moments remind us of the urgency and unpredictability of conservation work. While the outcomes were saddening, they have strengthened our resolve to continue helping wherever possible to prevent undue suffering. Each challenge underscores the importance of the Wildlife Emergency Fund, ensuring swift, effective future interventions.