R10k reward for safe return of missing sparrow
The bird’s family is offering a R10 000 reward for anybody who can lead them to find Vali.
The owner of a Cape Sparrow is offering a R10 000 reward for the return of her sparrow that went missing from Edenvale.
Vali went missing from the area near Edenvale KFC, on Van Riebeeck Avenue, on the morning of February 16.
Kerry Visser, who is Vali’s owner, said she drove with Vali to work every day.
“He flew out the car on Van Riebeeck Avenue. Vali has never flown away. Every time he flew he would come back to us.
“He couldn’t fly back that morning because he is not familiar with the busy area,” said Kerry.
Also read: Man detained after asking R3 000 for return of Illiondale family’s beloved dog
Kerry urged the community to not try and catch him if they see Vali.
“People must call me to identify him if they think they have seen him.”
She first found Vali frail and hurt as a chick, near her dog’s feeding bowl.
Kerry and her partner decided to take him in.
“We took him to the vet for further guidance,” said Kerry.
He has a broken left foot from falling out of the nest as a chick and it has distinctive colouring.
“Vali also broke his good leg. We rushed him to the vet where we explained putting him down was not an option. They proceeded to splint his leg and, with the help of Dr Shabeer Bhoola from Terrace Road Veterinary Hospital, we managed to get Vali’s leg back to full strength and working exactly how it should,” Kerry said.
Also read: Community’s support restores faith in humanity for Toboe’s owner
Vali is a domesticated bird, although birds are reared to be released.
“Please don’t be alarmed if our ‘mossie’ flies onto your fingers because that could be him wanting to play. Vali grew up with our family since he was a baby.
“He is used to human interaction more than anything else,” said Kerry.
Anyone who has seen Vali can contact Kerry on 072 359 6114 or David on 081 449 8506.
