Over 1 000 abandoned chicks were rescued from Kimberley and the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary & Monkey Park has taken in 100 hatchlings, nurturing and providing them with a new place to call home.
The World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary & Monkey Park is one of several zoological institutions that are involved in the Kamfer Dam flamingo rescue operation that took place last week.
Rescue operations were headed by Saam Staan Kimberley, a non-profit organisation aimed at uplifting the community and working with other teams to make the town a safer place.
SA People reported that the dam was found nearly completely dry due to a failing infrastructure that resulted in no water being pumped into the dam by Sol Palltije Municipality along with severe weather conditions.
With water levels dangerously low, flamingo mothers were left with no choice but to leave their young behind. Hundreds of young hatchlings were left dehydrated, starving and near death.
Several organisations came together to transport these hatchlings to available homes across the country, with many taking a flight to reach their final destination.
The World of Birds is not the only organisation that has taken in these baby birds, SANCCOB in Table View is currently working around the clock to feed and hydrate over 500 young birds.
SANCCOB released a social media statement sharing that they tragically lost a few of the younglings overnight.
“The chicks are in poor condition and unfortunately, there were a few more losses since first admitted last night. We will persevere to save each and every bird as best as we can and there are many ways that our followers can assist us too.”
The rest of the group have been taken to uShaka Marine World in Durban.
In a social media post, the sanctuary called on locals to donate towards the maintenance of these young birds.
“We are appealing to the public for assistance and support in rearing these birds,” said World of Birds
Various items are needed such as non slip matting, non slip trays, storage containers for prepared formula, 2 litre jugs with lids, water in 5l bottles, paper towels, towels, newspaper, ice cream tubs, containers for storage.
Funding will go towards these items, along with deveined and shelled prawns, pilchards, as well as frozen bait and plain Nestum baby formula.
Financial donations can be made here or direct EFT deposits can be made to the following account details:
World of Birds
Bank: Absa
Branch: Sea Point
Bank account number: 4061152694
Swift code: ABSAZAJJ
Donators are advised to please use ‘flamingo’ as a reference when depositing via EFT.
More information on how you can provide assistance is available on WhatsApp by contacting the World of Birds on 0845751356
Picture: World of Birds/ Facebook