CROW: Giving wildlife a second chance

The Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife’s (CROW) team sprung into action to rescue a juvenile female side-striped jackal, just one of the 94 animals rescued by the centre last week. This stunning young animal was discovered trapped under a rock in the Ballito area.

At just four months old, the jackal was found dehydrated, weak, infested with ticks and suffering from an inflamed vulva. It is unclear how long she endured these conditions before being rescued. Thanks to CROW’s expert team, she is now receiving the specialised care and nutrition she needs to recover.

As a juvenile, her diet includes fruits, berries, small insects, and meat-based products, each carefully prepared to support her rehabilitation. This rescue is a testament to CROW’s commitment to giving injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife a second chance at life.

Side-striped jackals (Canis adustus) are elusive creatures found in woodlands and savanna regions across sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike their black-backed cousins, these omnivores thrive on a diet of fruits, insects, and small prey. With their distinctive side stripes, they play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance by controlling insect and small animal populations.

Founded in 1980, CROW is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing South Africa’s injured and orphaned wildlife. Based in Durban, CROW is one of only a few centres in the country equipped to deal with such a diverse range of wildlife species. CROW’s team of experts treats between 3000 and 4000 animals annually, returning as many as possible to the wild where they belong.

CROW relies entirely on the generosity of donors and supporters to continue its vital work in wildlife conservation.

Call 031 462 1127 or email info@crowkzn.co.za for further information. After-hours and emergencies: 083 2125281.

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