Njozi, a beloved five-year-old female cheetah at the Rietvlei Nature Reserve south of Pretoria, is on her way to recovery after undergoing specialist surgery to mend a fractured forelimb.

This incident has sparked a surge of concern and affection among her many admirers, including conservationists and visitors who have come to appreciate the beauty and resilience of this magnificent creature.

Njozi first captured the attention of the reserve’s staff and animal lovers when she began showing signs of lameness. Swift action was taken to track and capture her using a very high frequency (VHF) collar, with invaluable assistance from Rietvlei game ranger Jeanri Weideman.

Once captured, Njozi was carefully darted and examined in the field by Prof Katja Koeppel, a leading wildlife health specialist from the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science.

A series of radiographs revealed troubling findings: Njozi had previously suffered fractures in two bones—her radius and ulna. Alarmingly, these injuries had healed incorrectly, leading to a condition known as malunion or synostosis, where the bones fused together.

This misalignment had hindered her paw’s movement and caused extra stress on her limb, resulting in a new fracture just above the original injury site.

Dr Adriaan Kitshoff, a specialist small animal surgeon, led a team of experts at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH) in performing the necessary corrective surgery.

“In theatre, we corrected both the previous malunion and the recent fracture by removing a wedge of bone and carefully realigning the limb,” Dr Kitshoff explained.

The surgical procedure involved stabilising the bones with metal plates and employing a small bone graft from Njozi’s shoulder to enhance healing.

Remarkably, just a day after the surgery, Njozi began her recovery under the watchful care of the team at the wildlife clinic, including a dedicated group of wildlife veterinarians and students.

Their commitment to her welfare ensures she receives the best possible care as she heals from this challenging ordeal.

Since her relocation from the Garden Route Game Lodge to Rietvlei in August 2020, Njozi has become a favourite among visitors.

Her captivating presence, marked by her recent experience as a nurturing mother to five cubs, has only increased her popularity. Earlier this year, the faculty’s team played a crucial role in assisting the City of Tshwane with the capture and relocation of her cubs, further showcasing the bond between this remarkable animal and her human caretakers.

As Njozi embarks on her journey to recovery, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect and rehabilitate wildlife in South Africa.

Her well-being embodies the delicate balance between conservation efforts and the challenges faced by wildlife in their natural habitats.

IOL

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