Snow and Sjonnie are survivors from a group of nine striped skunks, all severely neglected by a private owner. Four of the animals did not survive; they died as a result of a flea infestation and anaemia.
Fortunately, an acquaintance of the owner was able to save these two animals from the same fate. He took the skunks into his care, initially housing them in his garden and later in a bedroom. This was done to shield his neighbours from the foul odour that striped skunks release through their scent glands. Snow and Sjonnie, traumatised by the lack of food, began spraying each other in an attempt to secure more food. Thankfully, after a few months, the new owner realised that the situation was untenable and contacted AAP.
Kept without care
Upon arrival at our rescue centre in Almere, we learned about the appalling conditions in which these skunks had been kept by the original owner: confined to a space far too small, without food, with only a bowl of dirty water. They were living among their own faeces, without any care, and covered in ticks and fleas.
Recovering at AAP
Sjonnie and Snow, father and son, were placed in our quarantine facility. They are now receiving the medical care and attention they so desperately need. Among other things, we discovered that both animals are heavily infested with worms.
One of these parasites, the roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis, is particularly dangerous. If children come into contact with the microscopic eggs of this worm, it can be life-threatening. This risk appeared to be unknown to the original owner.
Once the skunks have recovered sufficiently, they will be moved to our Mammal Building. There, they will the time to continue their recovery, and we will begin the search for a suitable forever home.
