EcoSolutions, working with Johannesburg Wildlife Vet, begins release process of four Spotted Eagle Owls at Cedar Lake
EcoSolutions and Johannesburg Wildlife Vet celebrated the successful release of four young Spotted Eagle Owls back into the wild, as community efforts highlight the crucial role of owls in our ecosystem.
On November 28, Cedar Lakes hosted an owl release programme organised by EcoSolutions, a non-profit organisation that aims to educate people about the importance and benefits of owls while debunking the myths surrounding these creatures.
EcoSolutions, working with Johannesburg Wildlife Vet, placed four young Spotted Eagle Owls (Bubo africanus) in the release pen where the owlets will be hosted for a period of about three weeks until their final release just before Christmas.
Sara Orchardson, representative of Owlproject.org and the Owl release programme’s facilitator, explained the day’s purpose. “We are dedicated to promoting owl conservation and control of the rodent population. As part of this initiative, owls are released into their natural habitat, providing them with a second chance at life.”
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These owlets were brought to the Johannesburg Wildlife Vet after they were rescued from a local farm by the Johannesburg SPCA.
Nicky Sadler, of Johannesburg Wildlife Vet, said: “Our goal was to provide them with a diet as close to their natural intake as possible, which involves feeding them several mice each night to support their growth.”
The cost of raising a single owlet is substantial, approximately R2 800 for eight weeks of care, primarily due to the expense of feeding. The Johannesburg Wildlife Vet’s dedication to wildlife rehabilitation is supported by the generous contributions from the community, underscoring the importance of collaborative conservation efforts.
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“This programme not only rehabilitates individual owls but aims to inform the community about their vital role in the ecosystem. Owls are natural pest controllers, and fostering awareness about their benefits is crucial for their conservation,” said Orchardson
The owlets will be monitored during their acclimatisation period and will continue to receive food support from the Owl Group until they become fully self-sufficient. This approach ensures a safe transition back to the wild for the young birds, marking a significant step in their journey.
For more information about the programme you can visit www.owlproject.org. To donate towards Johannesburg Wildlife vet, a non-profit company (NPC), visit https://www.johannesburgwildlifevet.com/how-you-can-help.html.
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