Ten days after Ntumeni farmer Lungisani Ndlovu rescued an immature brown snake eagle that was listless and grounded on his farm, the magnificent bird was released back into its territory after receiving expert care at FreeMe Wildlife in Howick.

Ndlovu (33) earlier this month witnessed an epic battle between the brown snake eagle and a cobra, which the bird won and promptly devoured the head of the snake.

However, the eagle then became listless and could not fly, and was walking around dizzy, as described by Lungisani.

Amid calls from local men to kill the bird and sell it to a sangoma for muthi, Lungisani instead chose to rescue the eagle, and kept it in a large cage on his farm for two days while he contacted Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife for guidance.

Ezemvelo conservation officer for King Cetshwayo District, Phumla Zulu organised for the eagle to be transported to FreeMe Wildlife sanctuary in Howick where it underwent X-rays, tests and treatment, and was last Friday released back into the area in which Lungisani’s farm is located.

The eagle had suffered minor abrasions to the small bones at the tips of its wings, as well as to its feet and legs, but was otherwise healthy and healed quickly.

Watch the release footage as captured by FreeMe Wildlife.