Bambi the grysbok sparks hope amid Overstrand blaze

Posted by Imogen Searra on 15 January 2019

The Overstrand fires in the Western Cape, which started as a result of a flare set off on New Years Eve, have been affecting the Betty’s Bay, Hangklip, Hermanus, Pringle Bay and Rooiels areas. Residents have been forced to evacuate their houses, homes and businesses have burnt down and wildlife has majorly suffered.

When firefighters from the Winelands Fire Services were working on a section of the fire, they happened upon a young Cape grysbok who was attempting to flee the flames. Firefighters managed to rescue the animal and bring him to safety, where he was handed over to ER24 Paramedics. The paramedic team quickly named the young antelope ‘Bambi’.

After being handed over to the Ebervet Country Animal Clinic in Somerset West, Bambi’s, who had suffered burns and injuries, was immediately tended to. The Cape grysbok had burns on his eyes, ears and feet and was extremely dehydrated.

After tending to his injuries, round-the-clock care and bottle feeding, the vets of Country Animal Clinic have managed to help little Bambi get back on his feet.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

#repost from Country Animal Clinic. https://www.facebook.com/countryanimalclinic/ Update on the bokkie brought to us for medical care this morning after being rescued from the Betty’s Bay fires: We’re hugely grateful to our amazing vets, Dr Rosali Bruggemann, her fiancé Dr Tiaan Visser and Dr Adri Rossouw for their tremendous efforts in trying to save this precious young Grysbok. He is doing well and is eating, thanks to Dr Adri’s bottle feeding. Dr Adri has taken him into her home so that he has round-the-clock care. A very special thank you to the Wynland firefighters who found him and paramedics Wardi de Wet and Riaz Arendse of ER24 who delivered him to us in their ambulance. We have treated the bokkie’s burns (and nicknamed him Bambi) and given him fluids and painkillers. All we can do now is wait and hope that he makes it. For those of you who wanted to donate to his care, a big thank you, but we are more than happy to carry his medical costs. If you’d like to donate, please consider the firemen and paramedics who put their lives on the line to fight these fires. You will find donor details on the Betty’s Bay Village Facebook page. Thank you all for your concern and messages of support. Here is this afternoon’s picture of Dr Adri feeding the young bokkie. #bettysbayfire #bok #rescue #save #baby #donation #grateful

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Bambi is currently residing at the home of veterinarian Dr Adri Rossouw, where he has begun to walk around on his feet, a sign he is making good progress in his recovery.

Bambi’s health is seemingly improving, with his appetite and energy levels are steadily increasing. He has also befriended a bunny rabbit at his new home. His recovery has been close to miraculous thanks to the 24-hour care he is receiving.

The Overstrand Municipality needs public donations to help with the devastation that has been caused by the fires. If you’d like to donate to the affected areas, you can do so using the following details:

The Overstrand Municipality Executive Mayor’s Special Fund to assist the Betty’s Bay, Hangklip, Pringle Bay and Rooiels areas.

ACCOUNT HOLDER: Overstrand Municipality

ACCOUNT TYPE: Current Account

BANK: ABSA Bank

BRANCH: Hermanus

BRANCH CODE: 334-812

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 3220 000 035

PAYMENT REFERENCE: Mayoral Fund-B/Bay Fire followed by either the words (**reward**) or (**support**).

Emergency Call Centre 0283122400, 0283138000, 028 3138996

 

Picture: ER24/ Facebook

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