The Snake Eagle was released on Thursday, April 18. Radical Raptors, a bird of prey rehabilitation and awareness centre, was instrumental in caring and rehabilitating the sublime bird until it could be set free again. The main focus of Radical Raptors in Harkerville is on the rehabilitation and release of injured birds back into the wild.
"There are few moments that match the feeling of releasing a bird of prey. We were fortunate enough to share one such magic moment with all the people who had been part of this bird's journey, from a near-fatal car impact to flying free back into the wild," said Janet Forrest of Radical Raptors.
According to Forrest the badly injured juvenile Black-chested Snake Eagle was found on February 27 alongside a road. The bird was then taken to the Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KWAS) where general manager Rita Brock alerted Dennis Robson of Radical Raptors.
Forrest explained, "The bird had been x-rayed and checked over by Dr Pieter Jordaan of George Rex Vet, the outcome being that there were thankfully no broken bones but severe wounds and obvious bruising from the impact of the vehicle. Robson collected the bird and brought it back for rehabilitation and care, daily wound cleaning and monitoring."
She said that the bird initially showed showed no interest in moving much and its appetite was poor, but with patience and persistence Robson got the bird back to health. Nearly two months later and after the necessary checks, it was decided that the bird was ready to be released. The Black-chested Snake Eagle is a large bird, about 55cm tall with a wingspan of 180cm. These eagles are found in Sub-Saharan Africa, but are rare in the Garden Route. The birds have long, broad, square-tipped wings, a squaring head and bare legs. The bird was ringed by the Nature's Valley Trust before release.
For more information on the rehabilitation work of Radical Raptors, as well as its educational bird displays, visit the centre's website at www.radicalraptors.co.za.
Taking flight ...
