The Collective Effort of Remarkable Wildlife Enthusiasts!

Author: South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

This story of teamwork shows the incredible effort of individuals and organizations who came together to give four little meerkats a new start.

This mammoth journey was made possible by The Bateleurs, expertly coordinated by lead logistics organizer Steve McCurrach.

Their dedication exemplifies the planning and compassion needed to right the wrongs these meerkats have endured at the hands of humans.

In the early hours, before most had stirred, Mariska Killian was already en route to our main center in Springs. There, she met with Judy to collect four meerkats: two originally rescued by CROW - Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife after being surrendered, and two from Keeping The West Wild NPC, our West Rand branch managed by Georgina Lackinger.

With the meerkats safely in her care, Mariska made her way through to the Rand Airport in Germiston, where Michael Currie of Primerio International - The Pan African Law Firm, and journalist Willem de Lange awaited.

Michael, a pilot member with The Bateleurs, would undertake the round trip to the Northern Cape, with Primerio graciously covering the astronomical costs associated with this journey, quietly enforcing their commitment to wildlife welfare and giving these little lives the best possible chance at complete freedom.

Photo Copyright: ©Willem de Lange

Visit Willems Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/willemjdelange/

Departing at 6 a.m.  in a beautiful Beechcraft V Tail Bonanza, the two-hour flight each way was already meticulously planned.

Upon landing in the Northern Cape, Alma of Solidearth Meerkat Rehab and Rescue was ready to take custody of the spirited meerkats. Over the coming days, Alma will be working to settle them and guide them into forming a new mob. This transition requires careful handling, as each meerkat has a unique history, often marred by human interaction leaving unfortunate behavior challenges.

Alma’s unsurpassed experience in meerkat rehabilitation gives these four the best possible start toward true independence.

Michael, Primerio International, and all at The Bateleurs, our gratitude is beyond words. Your generosity and dedication have given these meerkats a second chance in an ideal environment.

May your incredible initiative go from strength to strength, enabling you to assist more wildlife cases across South Africa.  We can only wish for your generosity to in turn be returned to you 10’000 fold, being assisted by public who recognize the need for donations to carry the heavy costs associated with these critical translocations.

And Mariska, thank you for sacrificing your Saturday morning to be a vital link in this journey. Often these interim links are the most important and frequently overlooked!

Last but not least, Alma!

We are endlessly grateful. Knowing they’re in your care relieves a significant weight from us all and we recognize the huge challenges you now have with these four newbies, both financially to carry this load and the time needed to dedicate to each,  ensuring they are safe and well adjusted before releasing! Wishing you strength always!

Primerio International : https://www.primerio.international/

Bateleurs Donate: https://www.bateleurs.co.za/donate 

*Landing / take off footage: Solidearth