WATCH: Yellow-billed kite soars again after lengthy rehabilitation in Richards Bay

A YELLOW-billed kite rescued from a coal pit in Alton two weeks ago, has fully recovered from its ordeal and was released on Saturday.

The bird, nicknamed Navi-track, was rescued by a couple who spotted it at the roadside in Alton.

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The rescuers, who wished to remain anonymous, said they immediately knew something was wrong when they saw the bird.

“Once stopped to check on the bird, it tried to get away but couldn’t take flight,” they shared.

The kite was covered in coal – likely from a nearby dam contaminated with coal sludge – dehydrated, and close to death.

“We caught him, saw that he was full of coal and tried washing him, with no change. He was very limp, so we took him to the vet.”

The kite was taken to a Richards Bay veterinarian, where it received the necessary care, including activated charcoal owing to the coal it had ingested.

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Navi-track was kept in an outside holding cage, and was soon restless and ready to feel his feathers in the wind.

Upon release by Jason Ackerman on Saturday afternoon, the kite was at first reluctant to leave the carrier, but with some gentle persuasion, the magnificent bird took flight.

The public is encouraged to join the Richards Bay Wildlife Network to report injured wildlife – from vervet monkeys to owls, and everything in between.

To join the WhatsApp group, follow this link.

Watch the kite’s release here:

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