This Common Reedbuck lamb came into care after it was found and picked up, thought to possibly be abandoned. However, its condition was so good on admission, we suspect it may have been incorrectly removed from where its mother had hidden it. This happens so frequently that we sometimes despair of how to go about getting the message out there. Not every baby antelope found on its own is abandoned!
Here are some pointers to know when to step in, and when to step back when coming across antelope lambs:
Is the lamb injured? If no - leave it alone. If yes - help.
Is the lamb quietly lying down, or is it walking around bleating? Lying down - leave it alone. Bleating - help.
Is it safe where it is (i.e. it is not in imminent danger of being attacked by dogs, being driven over with a vehicle, or being burnt in a fire). If it is safe where it is - leave it alone. If it is in imminent danger - help.
Remember, mother antelope do not have cots or bedrooms to leave their babies in. The wild IS their cots and bedrooms, and they will choose a spot to leave their lamb safely sleeping while they go off and feed. The lamb knows to lie still EXACTLY where mom left it, so she can find it again when she gets back. BUT, if we remove it, mom will never find it again, and instead of rescuing an orphan, we will have created one.
Contact FreeMe Wildlife on 033 330 3036.