CAPE TOWN. – As smoke still curls into the sky from the blackened hills of the Tokai fires, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA is working tirelessly to find survivors among the ruins. In a landscape ravaged by flames – reportedly nearly 2,800 hectares burned – teams from the SPCA are navigating scorched earth, risking their own safety to rescue wildlife left behind in the devastation.
“We are in and it’s overwhelming,” says Belinda Abrahams, spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. “Across a blackened, still-smoldering landscape of hundreds of hectares, our inspectors have started combing every bush, lifting every rock, scanning every patch of scorched ground. The fire may be contained here, but the fight to save the lives left injured in its path is only beginning.”
Tokai fires haunting scenes
The scene is haunting. Charred stumps, grey ash, the quiet after the roar of fire. Many animals, particularly smaller or slower species, didn’t make it. “The loss is so hard to see,” says Abrahams. “Some animals didn’t stand a chance.” But even here, against all odds, hope flickers.
“Today, we found a tiny field mouse alive in the ruins of his home. One survivor means hope for more. And more survivors means more work to be done.”
The terrain remains treacherous. Seemingly solid ground gives way to hot ash. Yet the SPCA’s fire-trained team pushes on. “We can’t stop. We won’t stop. Not now. Not until we’re sure that every animal in need of help receives it. Because every tortoise, snake, bird and tiny field mouse matters.”
Tokai fires still burning
Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, said on Tuesday, 29 April, 2025, at 11:30, the helicopters that were airborne earlier have been grounded again, due to poor visibility this morning.
“Light rain has however started falling parts of the fire area and it is hoped that this will provide some much needed relief and expedite efforts to extinguish the fire that’s been burning since Friday evening.”
The fire is not contained yet and there is some concern that the two fire lines are creeping towards Chapman’s Peak.
A reminder to the public to please steer clear of the parts of the South Peninsula that have been affected by this fire – for their own safety, but also to give firefighters space to do their jobs.
The Incident Management Team will be assessing the situation and deciding on the way forward in the next hour.
As the fire drives wildlife into unfamiliar terrain, the SPCA asks residents to leave out shallow dishes of water with stones for perching. It’s a small act that can save lives.
“To every person who has kept us in their prayers, dropped off supplies, or donated towards our efforts — you are right here with us, every step we take into this devastation,” says Abrahams. “We can’t do this without you.”
Action plans for animals
If animals are recovered alive and well, they are relocated to the closest area with a viable food supply. If in need of treatment, the SPCA has a mobile clinic on site to offer immediate medical assistance and transportation to the SPCA’s animal hospital for treatment. The animals will then recover in our short term wildlife rehabilitation facility before being released in collaboration with the wildlife authorities
Those wishing to support the SPCA’s rescue efforts can donate via: https://pulse.ly/1dousf6uce
If you come across injured wildlife, contact their emergency line immediately at 083 326 1604.
SANParks – Table Mountain National Park confirmed late last night that since 2781 hectares had so far been burned.
