The Spotted Eagle Owl that was injured on August 24 when it flew into a caged-off area at a house in Leeu Street, Observation Hill, Ladysmith, has finally been released back into the wild.

The owl suffered damage to its wing and many thought the bird would not make it. However, thanks to the community of Ladysmith, who rallied around to save the injured bird, Owlie (as he has become known) has miraculously recovered.

Free Me Wildlife’s Josie Reilly travelled up to Ladysmith this morning (October 21) with her ‘precious cargo’, meeting up with Animal Anti-Cruelty League kennel supervisor Elrize Els and other volunteers. Once they had met up, they travelled to a pre-selected area to release Owlie.

The area near Ladysmith Country Club was chosen for two reasons: one because it was an open space with nearby trees, and secondly it was in the owl’s existing range and where his lifelong partner would be.

The release involved clambering over a fence into the game farm and then the cage was opened. Owlie shot out of the cage, obviously sensing he was home. He made a dash for a nearby tree and was immediately set upon by nearby birds, which the Spotted Eagle Owl easily shrugged off as it went to ground.

Owlie then flew from tree to tree, eventually shaking off the birds.

He was last seen sitting calmly in a tree, waiting for nightfall and the much-anticipated reunion with his partner.

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