From Friends of Free Wildlife

On 3 Jun 2024 a beautiful adult spotted eagle owl was brought to FFW by a representative of South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (SAWRC) in Pretoria. This poor owl had been trapped in a barbed-wire fence and was fortunate to have been spotted by a caring member of the public who deftly untangled and removed the owl from the barb and dropped it off at Monument Park Vet. SAWRC were contacted and their wonderful volunteers promptly collected the bird and applied much needed first aid to the multiple lacerations on its wing before moving it to FFW for further care and rehabilitation.

After thorough examination the owl was found to have bruising and swelling of the right elbow and given a course of antibiotics and appropriate wound care. It made a remarkable recovery and was soon moved to a flight cage to ensure it was flight-fit and prepared for release. A second spotty was incidentally already undergoing rehab in a flight cage and the two were introduced and moved in together. They formed a close bond, perching side by side and softly calling in duet. On 21 Jul 2024 it was decided that both owls should be released together since they had established a tight bond, and were collected by the amazing volunteers from (SAWRC). There was much excitement and a number of interested folk from the area came to watch while these two gorgeous owls were successfully released back in the area.

The collaboration between SAWRC and FFW in this story was crucial to ensure the best outcome for these special birds.

Nice video of their release at the link.