And then there were 6.
Two weeks ago, we went through to Owl Rescue Centre near Hartebeespoort dam, to join them on their monthly educational and incredible owl walk.
The owners of the neighboring farm to the owl sanctuary, had discovered 4 really tiny Large Spotted Genet kittens (Genetta tigrina) in a nest near their house.
The dogs, however, were compromising the safety of the kittens and the decision was made to be safe rather than sorry.
They had taken the four tiny bundles of fur next door, looking for help from Danelle, who runs the owl rescue centre.
Knowing we were going to be coming through to them for the eve, arrangements were made to bring the kittens back with us.
Danelle, in the mean time, shot out to buy some kitty milk to begin feeding the Genet kittens.
They have, over the last two weeks, all gone from strength to strength and are thriving!
Their eyes are now starting to open, and they are beginning to move around a lot more.
In another week or two, these 4 will be put together with the other two Genet babies already in our care, (but who are roughy a week older).
The term “large” in the name refers to the size of the spots (and not the size of the animal).
This is to distinguish it from the “small spotted” genet.
The spots on the Small-spotted genet are slightly smaller and are totally black, while on the Large-spotted Genet there is a rusty coloured centre in each spot.
Another more noticeable difference is that the Large-spotted genet has a black tipped tail while the Small-spotted Genet has a white tipped tail.
We will post a few more updates on the Genets through the coming months before being released!
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Phillip Vivier
