Yellow-billed duck rehabilitated after genet attack

A yellow-billed duck was brought to the Friends of Free Wildlife (FFW) rehabilitation centre in Johannesburg after it was severely injured during a genet attack.

‘The duck had been sitting on a clutch of eggs in a local garden for a few days. The homeowner heard a commotion during the night, a Spotted Genet had attacked the duck and broke and or ate all the eggs,’ the centre wrote on Facebook. 

‘The duck was badly injured and the owner was pretty certain it wasn’t going to make it. Wendy Brodie and Frances Perryer, both FFW senior volunteers, examined the nasty wounds and immediately took pictures and sent them to Claudius, (he was off duty), for him to advise the best course of action. Claudius advised hydrating the animal first and then smothering the open wound with L’Mesitran cream, covering with a light bandage and keeping the animal warm and as comfortable as possible.’

‘The poor duck couldn’t swallow and so was tube fed for a week; the wound was cleaned, dressed and re-bandaged every two days and given antibiotics daily.

‘After a week the wound had sealed nicely, there was no more bleeding and so the bandage was removed. During the second week, Silbacor cream was used. The entire healing process was nothing short of miraculous!

‘Claudius is a special rehabber of many years experience – through his diligent care the duck has fully recovered, is eating well and is now due to go back home again,’ FFW concluded.

Friends of Free Wildlife is an NPO and survives on donations including financial, animal foods and other necessities, all animals are treated free of charge and your donations help keep the doors open

If you want to make a financial contribution to the amazing work they do, you can donate to:

Friends of Free Wildlife

Nedbank Nicolway

Branch Code: 198742

Account: 1135 622 957

Look at the duck’s beautiful transformation below:

Picture: Wikimedia commons