Lowveld's first animal rehab centre opens it doors

THE first animal rehabilitation centre in Mpumalanga's Lowveld was officially opened last week to rescue maimed or orphaned wild animals and release them back into the veld. The Bundu Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre outside Nelspruit is the vision of single-mom, Isabel van Zyl who's been caring for animals at her own cost, at home for the past eight years. The centre plans to follow similar principles to the Moholoholo rehabilitation centre in Hoedspruit and even the Kapama Cheetah Breeding Project, by educating local farmers, communities, school children and tourists about wildlife. The centre will draw on the expertise of vets and conservationists from the Mpumalanga Parks Board. The public is urged to donate food or ‘adopt’ a wild animal and cover the costs of the animal’s rehabilitation until it's released. Children are also invited to do volunteer work during the holidays. The centre is expected to be fully operational by January. (African Eye News Service)