Bushfellows continues to be a place of refuge for abandoned and orphaned animals and the latest addition to the ever-growing ‘family’ is Silo, a bat-eared fox who has also been nicknamed ‘Varkie’ .

Silo came to Bushfellows when she was only three weeks old and weighing a mere 300 grams. She had to be hand-reared with Esbilac, a milk replacer formula, much like human infant formula used to replace mother’s milk. “She had a tiny body with these large, out-of-proportion ears,” says Bushfellows owner and conservationist Kyne Lupini.

 "Unfortunately, Silo tends to be accident-prone and broke her front right paw which necessitated an operation and resulted in a metal plate and five pins being inserted into her leg,” says Kyne. “The operation was a complete success but the little scamp attacked her paw as soon as the cast came off, requiring another visit to the vet.” Silo is now back at ‘home’ at Bushfellows after six weeks’ recovery at the vet with therapy and daily heat treatment, as well as a skin graft. She now has 80% use of her leg and will continue her rehabilitation in the bush, discovering termite mounds and sources of water, and learning to develop her sense of smell. “It is fascinating to watch this creature grow and realise how intelligent she is,” says Kyne. “It truly makes me question whether humans are indeed the smartest creatures on the planet!”

Silo is now eight months old and Bushfellows will shortly be introducing her to a wild male in the hope that she too will become ‘wild’ and join the other two rescued bat-eared foxes on the reserve, who are thriving and are often spotted on night drives.

For more informtion on Bushfellows Game Lodge please go to www.bushfellows.co.za

For Media Related questions please contact:

Kyne Lupini @ Kyne.lupini@bushfellows.co.za