Cape Town aardvark: SPCA investigating cause of death

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is investigating the cause of death of an aardvark that washed up at Milnerton’s Beach in Cape Town. 

Beachgoers were stunned when an aardvark, one of the rarely seen nocturnal animals, washed ashore on Friday, 13 January; unfortunately, the aardvark had already died. 

THE LATEST ON AARDVARK WASHED UP IN CAPE BEACH

According to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, an autopsy was performed on the 𝒂𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒓𝒌 and drowning was ruled out as a cause of death.

The animal welfare organisation said an independent wildlife veterinarian was able to rule out drowning as the likely cause of death. 

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The aardvark, an adult female, was in otherwise good condition, with no signs of external trauma that might have indicated how she came to be floating in the sea. 

“Examining her heart, the vet noticed conditions that would indicate that she had suffered from heart failure, and some fluid on the lungs would indicate shock lung. This is a state most often caused by suffocation (such as being kept in a box with no ventilation might induce).

“The conclusion is that the aardvark was already dead by the time it went into the water, either having been dumped overboard a ship close to shore or was somehow put into the sea from land.”

Cape of Good Hope SPCA

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA said it would continue investigating this mysterious event. It will be looking at camera footage and considering reports received from several eyewitnesses to help solve this latest wildlife mystery.

People who might have any information on this case to add have been urged to contact the Cape of Good Hope SPCA on 0217004140 or email wildlife1@spca-ct.co.za

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