Vergelegen environmental manager, Eben Olderwagen, and Michelle Watson of Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre at the soft-release enclosure at Vergelegen.
Two rehabilitated small-spotted genets have taken their first steps back into the wild thanks to a new soft-release enclosure at Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West, created in partnership with the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre near Betty’s Bay.
The young genets were discovered hiding above a ceiling at a home in Sir Lowry’s Pass village. After initial care at the Kogelberg centre near Betty’s Bay, they spent several weeks acclimatising in the Vergelegen enclosure before being released at night. Supplementary food was provided until they became fully independent.
A soft-release facility is a large, escape-proof enclosure located far from roads, buildings and people. It mimics the natural habitat of the species it houses and can be adjusted to suit mammal, bird and reptile patients.
Vergelegen, renowned for its biodiversity initiatives, is home to a 2000-hectare nature reserve with the same conservation status as the Kruger National Park. The new enclosure, built near the reserve’s 400-hectare game sanctuary, and sheltered by a shady tree, has mesh walls, a solid roof, and straw-covered floor.
“Hosting a soft-release site is more than just building an enclosure ‒ it’s an ongoing stewardship role,” says Michelle Watson, senior wildlife rehabilitator at the Kogelberg Centre. Watson is one of the first South Africans accredited by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) and has trained wildlife first responders across the country.
“Wild animals that have completed their treatment or rehabilitation still need time to transition back into the wild. For juveniles, that can mean learning to hunt, forage and establish a territory,” she says.
During this period, which can last from a few days to several weeks depending on the species, animals require a safe, naturalistic space with shelter, fresh water and support food.
“Vergelegen has shown outstanding commitment by meeting every requirement from CapeNature and providing the daily care these animals need to make a successful transition.”
The Vergelegen facility is an ideal Helderberg location, says Watson, because of its proximity to the Kogelberg centre; it offers “massive” biodiversity and plenty of space for the animals to live in and forage; and the estate has the services of a full-time environmental manager, Eben Olderwagen.
Olderwagen says: “Being able to support wildlife in their journey back to health is a privilege, and we are proud to play a part in caring for the natural life in the Helderberg.“We have worked closely with the Kogelberg centre and CapeNature to meet their requirements and receive the necessary permits, and look forward to building on this relationship.”
Staff at the Kogelberg centre have cared for 170 patients to date this year. The centre houses an emergency clinic, patient recovery room and kitchen to prepare meals for the patients. Flight enclosures have also been constructed to aid rehabilitation.
The centre opened late last year, following the 2022 Kleinmond wildfires, which highlighted the urgent need for an animal rehabilitation facility. It is the first wildlife rescue centre in the Western Cape with a permit from CapeNature to provide critical care to vulnerable wildlife.