CODY, THE BURNT KNYSNA HORSE
The Knysna fires were nothing short of destructive, there were human lives lost and innumerable crucial possessions destroyed in the fire, not to think of all the other damage that took place. Most people could save their dogs and cats and made it to safety, but what do you do with horses in a situation like this? Things are not that simple anymore.
Cody walking along the N2 on his way back to the farm
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When the fire broke out on June 7, Karen Rademeyer couldn't capture Cody and four other ponies, and her only choice was to chase them into a nearby plantation. All the other horses on their farm along the N2 between Rheenendal turn-off and Buffalo Bay were caught and led to safety, away from the danger of the raging fire. Karen believed that she would locate the ponies later, because, at that time, there was no fire danger in the plantation.
Devastating fire in Knysna
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All of a sudden, the wind changed direction and the plantation caught fire. It burnt for four days in the same area as where the horses were last seen. Karen did not give up hope, she searched day and night and knew in her heart that they would have made it somehow. She used aircraft and drones and thermal imaging to search for her horses.
Badly burnt Cody
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Sixteen days after the fire, just after 10:00 in the morning, Karen received a phone call with the wonderful news that Cody had been found walking along the N2, towards their farm. He was very thin, badly burnt and in a shocking condition. It also seemed as if he has lost his vision, but that did not discourage him from walking back to the farm. He was dehydrated and very hungry.
Cody hungry and parched
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"It was very emotional to see him like this, but I just realized how determined he had been. We decided to administer treatment and help where we could. He is doing surprisingly well. The vet is very happy with his progress."
Cody on the road to recovery
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Cody is currently recovering and doing well. Sadly, the four other horses, Bella, Milu, Deja Vu and Cheeky, still haven't been found. Karen says they could be anywhere and she has not given up hope for them either. Everybody in the vicinity is looking
for them.
This is heartbreaking!
A person always feels such pity for animals who must suffer
It is so sad, unbelievable what fire can do, Thanks you for sharing.
The fire in Knysna was the worst I have ever heard of in South Africa. My sister-in-law stays at Knysna Heights where all those houses burnt down, their house was one of the few which remained. Neighbors on both sides lost their homes. Dee said she is still struggling to clean out all the ashes. She has never seen such a mess in her life!
Thanks for the news.
Thank you for reading and caring!