FreeMe Wildlife

FreeMe Wildlife is proud to present our first signature wine... 😲

The FreeMe Wildlife Serval cabernet sauvignon 🍇🍷

A medium bodied red wine which pairs well with cheeses and light meat dishes.
Crafted by Highgate Wine Estate in the Midlands, the wine is made with grapes from their vineyard, and the subtle notes are reminiscent of crisp country mornings and crackling fires on cold winter evenings. 🍇🔥

The Serval on the label of the bottle has long been a symbol and emblem of FreeMe Wildlife. These beautiful, graceful cats are found in the Midlands and epitomize what FreeMe Wildlife aims to achieve in its work – promoting and preserving a world of natural innocence and beauty. ❤

To order yours online in support of the work we do, go to:

https://freemewildlife.org/shop/

We love what we do, and how we do it... ❤

Working with ToPS (Threatened or Protected Species). ❤

The next two Serval are ready for release, and these two will be going to UmPhafa Nature Reserve for a soft release. This means they will be kept inside a large secluded enclosure on the reserve to acclimatize over the next few weeks, before being released onto the reserve. 😲😁

But first... there's work to be done... 🧐👍

The two Serval are caught and anesthetized, brought into the FreeMe Wildlife clinic, where the team, having everything prepared, are waiting to get started. These two will be fitted with satellite tracking collars, thank you Wild Tomorrow for sponsoring these. 🤗👍

We love what we do, and how we do it... ❤

The Tortoise Project. 🐢❤

And... another release... 😲

This time, we released one Leopard Tortoise and three Eastern Hinged Tortoises on the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve in Zululand. Three of these were fitted with satellite tracking units (thank you Wild Tomorrow for sponsoring these). 😲🤔

We aim to shorten the release process with Tortoises by six months based on the data we collect from the satellite trackers. Once this is accomplished, rehab centres will easily be able to legally, ethically, and responsibly, release Tortoises in South Africa. 🧐👍

We love what we do, and how we do it... ❤

Feisty fur ball update 😃❤️

When this young serval kitten first arrived, she was weak, thin, and in need of intensive care. Despite her condition, it didn’t take long for her feisty attitude to make an appearance.

She’s done a very good job at growing into her species’ reputation 😌

We love what we do, and how we do it… ❤️

Next up for release... 🐱🐱

More pre-release day prep for our Servals... ❤

Lastly, the smaller equipment is laid out the previous evening. Everything that may be needed while the Servals are under anaesthetic is prepared. 📋

Sample packets and tubes are labelled with the patient numbers, date, and location. These samples are sent to to contribute to their Biobank. 🧬

Biometric equipment, such as measuring tape and callipers, are kept on hand, as well as everything needed to fit the collars, ear tags, and microchip transponders. 📏

Being well prepared ensures that everything happens quickly and efficiently on the day of release, limiting the time that the Servals have to be handled and kept under anaesthetic and reducing risk. And there is A LOT of preparation that must be done. 🐾👌

Watch this space to see what happens on the morning of release. 🔍❤️

We love what we do, and how we do it... ❤️

Release day loading… 🤩

This zebra foal, now fully weaned, has begun preparing for the next chapter of her journey, release. 💪🏼

While release day is still ahead, preparation starts long before the transport vehicle arrives.
To minimise stress and ensure a safe transition, she is gradually desensitized to the loading ramp and transport crate that she will eventually use. By allowing her to investigate these structures at her own pace and making them a familiar part of her environment, they become less intimidating and more routine. 😌

Here you can see she’s very comfortably standing in the entrance of the loading ramp 😁

For prey species like zebras, unfamiliar objects and confined spaces can be naturally concerning. Taking the time to build confidence around transport equipment helps reduce stress during handling and allows for a smoother, safer release process.🥳

We love what we do, and how we do it… ❤️

Next up for release... 🐱🐱

More pre-release day prep for our Servals... ❤

Release day protocols start first thing in the morning, so all the equipment needs to be prepared the night before to ensure that all goes smoothly. 📋

Nets and blankets are kept at the ready for the initial catch and sedate process. Transport boxes are carefully chosen - strong wood with thick wire mesh - and packed with hay to provide a warm, comfortable spot for the Servals to wake up from anaesthetic before being taken through to the release site. 🐱💤

Watch this space to see what else goes into Serval release prep. 🔍❤️

We love what we do, and how we do it... ❤️

The FreeMe Wildlife Experience. ❤

One of our students, Kelsey (FreeMe Wildlife Experience student) carefully catching a tortoise before its release, gaining valuable practical experience. Fortunately for our student, the tortoise was not planning on breaking any speed records today. 😄

Experiences like these give students the opportunity to learn, grow their confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of working with wildlife in real-life situations.

We love what we do, and how we do it... ❤