A rare owl was rescued after being found dazed and confused in Zimbali Estate last week.

On the morning of September 2, a Zimbali resident discovered a female African wood owl lying on the ground and alerted estate security. Zimbali Estate environmental manager, Brendan Smith, contacted Wildlife Rescue – a local NPO that specialises in animal rescue and rehabilitation – to collect the bird.

“The owl most likely flew into a window or sliding door,” said Smith, who initially suspected a broken wing.

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“Lindy Elmes, director and founder of Wildlife Rescue, took the owl to Aloe Vet for X-rays. Luckily, its wings were not damaged, but the vet confirmed it had a slight concussion.”

African wood owls are seldom seen on the North Coast due to a lack of suitable habitat, as they require dense forest to live and hunt. They mate for life and feed on insects, bats, small animals and rodents. Unlike many raptors, they do not migrate.

“Wood owls are not common in Ballito, so we were excited to see one,” said Elmes.

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After examination, Elmes cared for the owl in a dark, quiet room for five hours before returning it to Zimbali, where it was ringed and had its wings and beak measured.

“We released the owl at dusk, as they are strictly nocturnal,” said Elmes.

“It was ringed as part of our ongoing conservation research and monitoring of bird populations,” added Smith.

The owl was assigned a bird ID number and safely released back into the same area where it was found.

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