PROSTHETICS FOR MOYA PROJECT
Animals, just like humans, may require prosthetics for various reasons. An animal may need a prosthetic limb if it has experienced a traumatic injury. Prosthetics can provide support, stability, and mobility, enabling the animal to move and engage in daily activities more comfortably.
Moya was caught in a snare on the border of Botswana that severed her left leg’s tendons and ligaments. We heard about her through a farmer and provided the space and resources for her in our sanctuary. Our first concern was to treat the immediate wound to prevent any potential infection. Once the wound healed, we closely monitored her for any signs of discomfort, but she exhibited normal behavior, a healthy appetite, and a positive attitude! While Moya's current condition is not an immediate concern, our aim is to ensure the best possible quality of life for her. Therefore, we need to develop a plan to stabilize her walking pattern as she compensates for her limping leg, as this could lead to future back problems. It is challenging to anticipate how a wild animal will respond to artificial aids, but we remain optimistic that, with the support of like-minded individuals who share our love and passion for these animals, we can find a solution.
Meet Project Wild
We were fortunate that Moya's story reached the founder, Ab Coetzee, of Project Wild through an enthusiastic visitor, Megan Leigh Van Der Walt, of the predator park who helped spread the word. We had our first visit from Project Wild on the weekend of 27 May 2023 and we are excited to work together on project “Prosthetics for Moya”. Project Wild believes that each and every living thing on this beautiful planet deserves a second chance. Their goal is to provide second chances to as many animals that experienced trauma as possible.
Prosthetics can restore a sense of normalcy and improve the animal's overall quality of life. By compensating for the loss or impairment of a limb, these artificial devices help animals regain their independence, allowing them to navigate their environment, interact with their surroundings, and even continue participating in activities they enjoy.
Project Goals:
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Enhancing mobility
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Pain management: Alleviate pain and discomfort by providing support and reducing pressure on the affected area, allowing more comfortable movement without pain.
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Restoring normal function: The prosthetic should mimic the natural movements and range of motion of the damaged limb, enabling the animal to perform everyday tasks.
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Promoting psychological well-being: Animals may experience psychological distress and a loss of confidence after an injury. Prosthetics can play a vital role in improving their emotional well-being by restoring their ability to interact with their environment and maintain their social interactions, reducing anxiety, and promoting a sense of normalcy.
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Customization and comfort: Animal prosthetics should be customized to fit the specific anatomy and needs of each animal. A goal is to design prosthetics that are comfortable, lightweight, and well-fitted to prevent skin irritation, sores, or other complications. Comfortable prosthetics encourage the animal to adapt to the device more easily.
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Longevity and durability: Animal prosthetics should be built to withstand the rigors of an animal's daily activities. The goal is to create durable prosthetics that can withstand wear and tear, and be easily maintained or repaired as needed, ensuring their longevity and maximizing the animal's use of the device.
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Cost-effectiveness: The goal is to find a balance between quality and affordability.
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Overall, the primary goal is to improve the quality of life by restoring mobility, alleviating pain, and promoting their overall well-being.
Project Timeline:
June - October 2023
How to get involved in this project
Join us in making a difference in Moya's life by supporting the "Prosthetics for Moya" project. Your donation can bring hope and transform the future of this incredible animal. With your help, we aim to provide her with specially designed prosthetics, enabling her to enjoy a better quality of life. By contributing to this non-profit project, you become part of a compassionate community dedicated to preserving and caring for our remarkable wildlife.
By utilizing the designated donation link, you enable us to accurately track and provide updates on funds exclusively designated for this project.
Budget:
R15 000.00 - R20 000.00
A detailed budget and any allocations of contributions made to this project can be made available for anyone to see. Please contact us if you require more information.