Crow offers R22 000 reward to help catch eagle shooter
Crow is offering a reward to the value of R22 000 for anyone who has credible information that could lead to the prosecution and arrest of the perpetrator who shot a crowned eagle recently.
A BEAUTIFUL crowned eagle was rescued in Malvern on Sunday the 26 July after sustaining three pellet gunshot wounds, one of which, went through her spine leaving him paralysed. The bird was admitted at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) and was humanely euthanised due to her paralysis.
“Sadly, this is the dreaded end to a story we hear often. The crowned eagles that naturally occur within the green belts of Durban, often share their territory with humans who have pets. Though their diet consists mostly of hyraxes, antelope, vervet monkeys and other birds, there have been incidences reported of eagles preying on people’s pets, especially around the northern parts of Durban,” explained Crow communications officer, Alexandra Kogl.
She said that the eagle was most likely shot by a disgruntled pet owner, as he was flying over, causing him to hurtle down from the sky and crash into a roof. “Shooting an eagle is a highly illegal act. Crowned eagles are a “ToPS” (Threatened or Protected Species) and cannot be relocated.
The eagle was confirmed to be a juvenile female who was nesting in Northdene. She formed part of the Crowned Eagle Research Project and had been monitored for some time at her nesting site. “Somewhere between her nest and Malvern, she was shot mid-flight and hurtled out of the sky to land on a roof of a very concerned lady who phoned in the rescue. The shooting of a ToPS is a crime, which could land you up to five years in jail,” said Alex.
A full investigation has been launched by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife with hopes that she gets justice.
Additionally, Crow’s long-standing partner Compass Medical Waste Services’ Ian Du Randt, together with a group of donors have put forward R22 000 reward money for anyone who has credible information that could lead to the prosecution and arrest of the perpetrator. He will also be covering any legal costs that will come with the case.
If anyone has any credible leads on the matter that could lead to prosecution and arrest, get in touch via email at director@crowkzn.co.za. The reward is real and will be paid. If anyone would like to add to the reward, contact via the same email address.
“Let’s rally together and get justice for an innocent life taken too soon. We urge pet owners to learn to co-habitat with these birds as best they can by adapting to their presence and not trying to get rid of them,” said Alex.
https://www.facebook.com/crow.kzn/photos/a.539490169404670/3296278487059144/?type=3
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