Clint Halkett-Siddall - Ops Director
Orphaned antelope
Isolde Mellet established the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (C.R.O.W.) in August 1977, recognising an urgent need for a rehabilitation centre that could care for injured wildlife and educate the public about the need to protect natural resources. At first, she was running C.R.O.W. out of her garage, receiving 150 wild birds and animals every month, now they rescue around 3,000 animals of all shapes and sizes from lizards to rhino every year.
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In 2015 C.R.O.W received accreditation from the “National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” (NSPCA) to become the first full-accredited wildlife rehabilitation centre in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), with licences to treat any wild animal, marine or otherwise.
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OAT assists in covering CROW’s vital operating expenses such as feed costs, veterinary and medication bills as well as much needed tools and equipment for their clinic, vegetable garden, grounds and maintenance, fuel for their rescue vehicles and vital upgrades such as rerouting a sewerage line that had collapsed from the clinic to the municipal line and replacing a walk-in cold room and freezer which broke down in December 2023 and was beyond repair.
What CROW does
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Cares for, rehabilitates and releases sick, injured, abandoned and orphaned wildlife
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​Educate the public about the need to protect natural resources
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How Olsen Animal Trust helps
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Biannual grant, over a three-year period, to assist in covering CROW’s vital operating costs​​
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Project Images - hover over for details
Water monitor
This water monitor was found out at sea unable to use its legs properly. Once at C.R.O.W. it was discovered it sadly had neurological problems so it has been sent it to for further treatment in Ushaka a specialist centre
Injured antelope
This buck was hand raised poorly and developed bloat and stiff legs due to malnutrition. Thankfully it is now in CROW's care and improving daily.
Crowned eagle
This Crowed eagle sub-adult landed on her back in someone's yard. She was taken to a local vet where CROW were called in to collect her. She was sent for x-rays, treated and then after 2 weeks she was released into the area in which she was found.
Orphaned grey duiker
This orphaned grey duiker was brought into CROW after tragically losing her mother to hunter dogs. She will remain under the caring eye of Zoe, her carer, until she reaches the age of seven months and can be released back into the wild.
Large spotted genet
This large spotted genet arrived from the south coast of Kwa Zulu Natal with a very bad concussion - spinning in tight circles. She treated at the CROW clinic and after 3 weeks was released into a safe echo park near to where she was found.
Dassie
This little Dassie was found inside a car engine. The local SPCA rescued her and handed her over to CROW. Once healthy and mature enough she will be released in a suitable wild site.
For further information on the work of CROW please visit www.crowkzn.co.za