Susanna Oosthuisen and Justin Behrendt, residents of White River, are fast gaining a reputation as champions for wildlife. On Wednesday, December 18, they were returning from a function and driving on the Brondal Road when they spotted an owl lying on its back in the middle of the road. At a passing glance the owl appeared to be dead but upon closer inspection the two found the raptor to be alive. It was a spotted eagle owl and, sitting just a bit further away was the owl’s mate.
Oosthuizen and Behrendt realised that the owl was injured and decided to rescue it. They contacted Dr Bennie Piennaar of White River Animal Hospital, that same night at 23:00 seeking advice on the owl. Piennaar told them to keep the owl in a box until the next day when it could be taken to a wildlife rehabilitation centre for treatment.
The “Spottie”, as rehabbers refer to them, was diagnosed with concussion which had caused bleeding in both eyes. The raptor had very likely been hit by a passing vehicle. This often happens to this species as they hunt for insects on the roads. By the time owls realise that an oncoming vehicle is dangerous, it is too late and as they begin to take off they collide with the car. An injury from this kind of conflict with man includes concussion and fractures to the wings or legs. Luckily this owl only suffered a severe concussion.
For Behrendt, music teacher and musician, this experience with the injured raptor has become a journey of discovery. “I never knew there were so many different species of owls in our country,” says Behrendt. “I never really saw owls. Yet now, I notice them when I go out at night. I have become aware of them and the need to conserve them for future generations.”
The owl which appears to be a female, according to its weight, has steadily improved since it was found. She has been named JustSu and is now in a large outdoor aviary getting fit for re-release at the spot where she was originally found. In this way she will be reunited with her mate.
JustSu however, still has one more hurdle to cross, that of a final medical check-up by a vet. This is to determine if her hearing and sight has not been damaged by the initial concussion.
