Crowned Eagle saved from roadside in Westbrook

A juvenile Crowned Eagle was rescued from certain death on the side of the road yesterday afternoon.

The SPCA’s Nathi Ngifu told The Courier that they received a call from a concerned resident yesterday afternoon saying that an eagle was afoot on the side of the road near Westbrook just beyond the bridge over the Tongaat River mouth.

Arriving to find that the bird had a broken wing, Ngifu said catching it was no easy task.

“The road was very busy and that posed a danger to me and to the eagle.”

“I suspect that the eagle swooped down to catch an animal and was hit by a car,” said Ngifu.

“I had to use a blanket and thick gloves to catch the bird as they are massively strong and have a wicked beak and talons. One of its eyes was swelled shut so that made my job a little easier as I could approach it from its blind side.”

Ngifu took the wounded eagle to Ballito Veterinary Hospital, where doctors Louis Gouws and Kerri Farlam inserted steel pins into the broken wing on Thursday.

The bird is currently still recuperating at Ballito Vet.

“These animals are very dangerous and should only be approached by professionals,” said Ngifu.

“If you spot an injured owl, eagle or other bird of prey – call the SPCA at 087 55 00 512 immediately.”

As the famous poet William Blake once said, “When thou seest an eagle, thou seest a portion of genius – lift up thy head!”

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Please do not send an SMS.