Juve 25, this year’s black eagle chick at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, has made a remarkable transition.

At just over 85 days old, the chick has nearly completed its transformation to adult colours, and no longer resembles the cute, fluffy white baby it was just a few weeks ago.

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Great excitement reigns among the Black Eagle Project Roodekrans (BEPR) monitors as the chick is already showing behaviour consistent with preparation for fledging.

According to BEPR committee member Dougie Crewe, the chick has, this past week, begun flapping its wings and hopping up and down in the nest.

“This is typical behaviour in the run up to its first flight, which we call fledging,” says Dougie, adding that the calculated date on which the eaglet is expected to fledge falls on the day of the much-anticipated annual Black Eagle Mountain Run, set to be held on September 13.

• Also read: Roodekrans black eagles: First photos of new chick emerge

The famed event, held annually to promote health and fitness, and in aid of conservation efforts of the BEPR and their partner conservation organisations, this year boasts 2, 4, 8, and 16km routes, followed by a fun-filled family day complete with lots of kids’ entertainment, live music, a variety of food stalls, rugby on the big screen, and a beer garden.

“We are all hoping that the eaglet fledges on the big day, which will just make it so much more special,” he concludes.

For more information on the run, visit https://www.wildafricaexperiences.co.za/bookings/black-eagle-mountain-run-saturday-13th-september-2025/