THE Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) recently rescued a young spotted eagle owl from the Shallcross area.

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The owl was found in a branchling stage, a natural stage where young owls leave the nest to develop their wings. As much as this stage is a part of their lives, it also makes them vulnerable to predators and human disturbance.

Sue-Ann Schutte, Crow’s senior nurse, said, “The bird was not harmed but was being watched by adult birds. At this point of development, it is susceptible to dangers such as predators or human disturbance.”

The owl is now in the hands of Crow, where it is undergoing a re-wilding programme designed to keep the animal from having too much human contact so it can keep its natural behaviour. Schutte said the owl is already able to feed itself.

The young owl is expected to remain at Crow until mid-spring or early summer, before being released into the wild.

Facts on spotted eagle owls:

Spotted eagle owls, also known as the African spotted eagle owl, is scientifically called the Bubo africanus. Schutte said they are medium-sized raptors and one of the smallest members of the eagle owl group.

“It typically measures at 45cm and weighs from 454 to 907g. It has a 100 to 140cm wingspan. The facial disk is off-white to pale ochre and the eyes are yellow. The upper body is dusky brown, the lower parts off-white with brown bars. They also have feather tufts (ear tufts) on the top of their head which breaks their outline and looks like ears. Their actual ears are on the side of their head,” said Schutte.

Crow continues to not only give animals a second chance at life but ensure the animals’ protection and survival amid pending danger.

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