PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The tale of three-legged tortoise Onesibindi, which means "brave one" in isiXhosa, has highlighted the plight of wild animals being kept illegally as pets.
Onesibindi was rescued in Knysna where it was being kept as a pet and now lives as the Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre in Plettenberg Bay as it can never be released into the wild.
Keri McMorran, managing director and wildlife rehabilitator at the centre, said the tortoise was taken from the wild and kept as a pet, which is illegal to do in South Africa.
'Drilled hole through shell'
"To make sure he stayed with them, they drilled a hole through his shell and attached a chain to him," McMorran said.
The chain, however, eventually wrapped itself around the tortoise's front leg and in its struggle to free itself, it broke the leg and partially severed it.
Onesibindi and Higgins the local cat in the Tenikwa gardens. Photo: Supplied
Authorities confiscated the tortoise and took it to the Knysna Veterinary Clinic, where they assessed it.
'Long rehabilitation'
"He needed time to recover from everything he had been through, so they contacted Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre in the Crags, Plettenberg Bay. We fetched him and brought him back to the centre to start what would be a very long rehabilitation.
"We made sure he was in a safe area with lots of fresh grass, chopped veggies and fruit and we soon learnt grated carrots and watermelon were his favourite.
'Small wheel attached'
"Unfortunately, we noticed that his leg, which he no longer had any use of, was being squashed whenever he lay down, which would have caused him discomfort at the very least. So, after some brainstorming a small wheel was attached to the shell underneath, so when he lay down, his leg was protected from being squashed. This worked well and aided him with his walking, " McMorran said.
She added that the leg made turning around difficult and likely caused the tortoise pain.
"So, after a lot of discussions between us and Knysna Vet we all agreed it would be in his best interest to have that leg amputated.
'Bigger operation than expected'
"We made sure he was strong and healthy before we went ahead. It was a bigger operation than expected but it went really well and we were delighted to be able to bring him home the following day."
Following the operation, the tortoise was put in the Tenikwa gardens and made firm friends with Higgins the local cat and they are often seen sleeping together in the flower beds. "He healed really well and in no time was whizzing around at quite the speed."
Ornamental tortoises
Due to having the wheel, the tortoise will live out the rest of its life at Tenikwa.
In honour of Onesibindi, the Tenikwa team now make small ornamental tortoises in many different designs and colours to sell in their curio shop. "This also helps us keep Onesibindi supplied with all the delicious fruits and veggies that he wants and deserves."
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
