MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

I want to return as a Nyala to Oceana

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Oceana Nyala
Dr Leon Van Zyl De Bruyn attends to his Nyala patient at the Oceana Reserve

A continuing refrain in our household is that when we pass on we want to return as one or more of our various pampered animals.

Although a recent experience at the Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve is contributing to my desire to maybe come back as a resident Nyala – or any other animal there for that matter.

The upmarket Oceana has been in business for eleven years and attracts the well heeled and pampered seeking a unique and luxurious experience just outside Port Alfred on the East London side of the Kowie.

Whilst the Longhair and I were being treated to a stay at Oceana (See: Good Morning from Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve) we went to breakfast and were told to not be alarmed if we heard cries of distress from a Nyala outside. The supposition was that the Nyala had been chased by a predator (Jackal?) and made good it’s escape onto the decking and pathways leading to the main lodge at Oceana. In the process it had dislocated it’s left shoulder and was in a bit of pain.

Port Alfred based Veterinary Surgeon, Dr Leon Van Zyl De Bruyn, was on the scene and the bleating Nyala cow was being held still for him to administer a tranquiliser shot. An unforgettable experience for the two Swedish tourists whom we had been chatting to over a game of snooker the night before – they were standing stock still at this opportunity of being that close to a wild animal.

After administering the tranquiliser in a vein on the Nyala’s head the bleating and scrabbling quietened down enough for the Nyala to be gently transferred to a bush stretcher and transported to Dr De Bruyn’s surgery for further attention.

Oceana staff report that the Nyala is back on the reserve and happy.

Secretly I think that the Nyala was not escaping from a Jackal but headed for the Spa for a rub down or maybe the kitchen for a scrumptious feast – which is what I would do if I came back as a Nyala at Oceana!

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.