Update

PLETTENBERG BAY  NEWS – The Harkerville forest outside Plett was abuzz with excitement on Wednesday 7 June when the African crowned eagle rescued last week was released back into the wild.

The eagle was rescued in dramatic fashion on Saturday 3 June on the Brenton shoreline in Knysna after a first attempt on Friday evening, which also involved the NSRI in Knysna, failed. 

Mark Robson from Raptor Rescue took the bird to a local vet for treatment after the bird had been mobbed by gulls and appeared in distress.

It spent three days recuperating and was finally given a clean bill of health and released last week Wednesday.

"We couldn't have asked for a better release," said Dr Mark Brown, conservation director of Discover Eden. "She is a very strong flyer."

With its eyes firmly set on what lies ahead, the eagle flies on after its release.

For Mike Bridgford, a specialist bird photographer who was on hand to capture the spectacular release, it was the second time he had witnessed the release of an African crowned eagle.

"This is probably the southernmost part of the range of the crowned eagle which is normally associated with Kwa-Zulu Natal," said Bridgford. 

The crowned eagle is Africa's most powerful eagle and is considered near threatened as a result of habitat loss, mainly forests.

The released eagle spreads its wings having been released. Photos: Mike Bridgford

READ MORE: Dramatic rescue saves African Crowned Eagle

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