19/10/2026
At the end of September, authorities asked HESC to help a young nyala calf found alone and weak. Members of the public had tried to care for him before realising he needed urgent professional help.
HESC curators Linri and Will collected him immediately. He was cold, severely dehydrated and extremely weak. On arrival his body temperature was just 34.8ยฐC, his blood glucose was too low for our equipment to read, and he had an injured tail.
Our veterinary and rehabilitation team started intensive treatment straight away: IV fluids, glucose, warming and round-the-clock monitoring and feeding. Despite every effort, his condition was too critical, and he passed away just before midnight the following day.
Young antelope are often left hidden by their mothers. Unless the animal is visibly injured or in danger, watch from a distance and call for advice before moving it.
We share his story not to place blame, but to raise awareness. Helping a wild animal comes from compassion, but rehabilitation needs specialised knowledge, facilities and fast veterinary care. Every hour of delay lowers the chance of survival.
If you find an injured, sick or seemingly abandoned wild animal:๏ฟฝ
๐ซ Don't try to feed, treat or raise it yourself
๐ Contact a wildlife rehabilitation centre, vet or wildlife authority immediately
โฑ๏ธ The sooner experts step in, the better the odds
Sometimes the kindest thing we can do for wildlife is recognise when it needs expert help.
