Doctor Leon Bruggeman’s ‘vet-on-call’ evening was recently a busy one.

After attending to a few routine after-hours emergencies, the veterinarian received a call from Leanne Carroll from Shelly Beach.

After a massive lightning strike around her house, her husky had alerted her to a large eagle lying on his back under a tree in her garden, stunned by the lightning strike, bedraggled and sopping wet.

Bruggeman, with the help of neighbours and friends, wrapped the bird in a towel and brought it through to Margate Vet Hospital.

“After checking for broken bones and other injuries, a bolus of drip fluid was given intravenously, together with some painkillers, and the beautiful juvenile crowned eagle responded very well, waking up smartly from its semi-comatose state,” said Bruggeman.

After warming and drying it in front of an infra-red lamp, and another day spent resting in hospital, it was safely released, back where it was found.

Bruggeman said that after a little personal conversation with local crowned eagle whisperer, Jacques Sellschop, it took off smartly, flying strongly, first perching in an adjacent tree, searching its environment and calling softly, then flying off.

“Unfortunately for the photographers, as usual it would fly directly away from us, showing us only tail feathers,” chuckled Bruggeman. “A beautiful creature, so powerful. And so satisfying to see it safely back in its forest home.

Thanks to Jacques, Leanne and neighbours for coming along to witness its release.”

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