Kes boys’ show their grit by looking after owls
HOUGHTON – Owl conservation efforts in full swing at Kes.
An educator and a group of boys from King Edward VII School (Kes) have taken it upon themselves to help a dwindling species of animals to find hope in an industrially advanced society that sees little to no wildlife activity.
Five years ago, Kes was the recipient of an owl enclosure, donated to the school along with two owls. Every year since then, the school has assigned a group of boys to look after the owls that have been placed in the enclosure.
The school’s current owl residence, Whizzle and Snappy, as they’ve affectionately been named, have been kept in an owl enclosure at the school for the last two months and are currently being prepared for release in the next week or so, according to Brent Crossley, an educator at Kes.
Speaking to the Gazette, Crossley said it was important for the school to jump in on critical conservation efforts such as this. “The owls are fed about six chicks once in the evening, the purpose of which is for conservation,” said Crossley. “These are dwindling animals which are critically endangered and we’re trying to reintroduce them into suburbia with the growing urban environment.”
A learner at the school, Liam Durandt, who, along with another learner, Cullen Malherbe, said he’s enjoyed the experience of looking after the owls and has formed a certain bond with the animals. “It’s nice to care for something other than myself, and have the responsibility,” said Liam. “It’s also just nice feeding the animals because being away from home half the time, you miss your animals and [it feels like] there’s something that you’re closer to other than your friends.”
Cullen Malherbe said, “When we started off it was scary. We hesitated and didn’t really want to start it, but further on, we’ve really grown to know them [the owls].” Unfazed by the hooting of the owls, he added, “Right now, it’s really comfortable, and we want to go [inside the enclosure] because they’re like our pets at home.”
Tell us what conservation efforts are being conducted at your school by sending an email to ashtynm@caxton.co.za
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