The lucky grysbok was returned to the wild. Photos: Provided

A Cape grysbok is enjoying a second lease on life a mere two weeks after being found in a “weak and dazed” condition in Table View’s residential area.

The grysbok’s plight was noticed by a passer-by who took it to the vet. It was thought to have been knocked down by a car and monitored for neurological damage or concussion. The latter was feared as it had not attempted to flee from its rescuer, as would normally be the case. But things turned out well for this grysbokkie. After recuperating for two weeks under the SPCA’s watchful eye it managed to make a full recovery and was released into the Rietvlei part of the Table View Reserve. Not all wildlife is so fortunate, however.

Freedom beckons.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Environmental and Spatial Planning, Councillor Johan van der Merwe, has pleaded with motorists to slow down when driving at night near nature reserves. “Many of the animals are nocturnal, so it makes it difficult for motorists to see them at night when they unexpectedly cross the roads searching for food. In most cases, animals are hesitant to cross roads because it is a foreign environment for them, so they will often do so suddenly and unexpectedly,” Van der Merwe said.

Bokkie’s back where it belongs.

Last year a caracal and Cape grysbok were killed on the road between Bloubergstrand and Melkbosstrand near the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve. Also killed were tortoises, Cape cobras, mole snakes, small-spotted genets and porcupines.  In June this year two Cape clawless otters were killed on the same night on Marine Drive in Milnerton.