The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) says there’s been a great loss of wildlife, as the blaze in the Cape Peninsula goes into the fourth day.
The fire that initially started on the mountain slopes in Simon’s Town on Tuesday, has now grown – affecting surrounding mountainous regions of Glencairn, Misty Cliffs and Scarborough.
Thus far, only one building has been damaged and five firefighters have been injured. But the Cape of Good Hope SPCA says many wildlife animals have not been so fortunate. They say that affected animals have either succumbed to smoke inhalation or being burned in the flames. The organisation’s Belinda Abraham’s says they’ve come across the charred remains of snakes, tortoises and lizards.
“We’ve been at the site of the fire since the news broke. The fire was raging, and it was hard to stand by throughout the night, knowing the flames were claiming victims but we had to wait until the area was deemed safe enough for us to enter.”
Abraham notes that there were some surviving animals that they were able to rescue. These animals – most of which were in a dehydrated state – are receiving treatment and shelter. The SPCA’s Wildlife Cadet Inspector, Bryan Arendse, adds that teams will remain on scene – where possible – to assist any more animals in need.
“We’re thankful for these moments that show our efforts are not in vain. [But] it’s heart-breaking to find the lifeless bodies of the animals that didn’t make it. It is a huge loss for this unique habitat and our search and rescue efforts continue with urgency to find any surviving or injured animals.” – Bryan Arendse, SPCA Wildlife Cadet Inspector
Abraham’s has further urged residents to assist animals, and has welcome donations in support of their efforts. She says residents in nearby areas can assist by monitoring the outskirts of Simon’s Town, putting water down in their yards for displaced animals, or to contact them.
“You can also help by picking up small animals or birds who are injured and keeping them in a ventilated cardboard box covered with a towel to minimise stress, before calling us to collect them. Please add some rocks to the bowl [of water] so small animals can quench their thirst without drowning. Remember that wild animals can be aggressive and injured wild animals additionally so.”
You can contact the Cape of Good Hope SPCA on 021 700 4158/9 OR 083 326 1604
