Crocworld and team release juvenile Crowned Eagle rescued from the ocean

Even South Africa’s most powerful Eagle sometimes needs a little assistance.

This was the case for one juvenile Crowned Eagle that was rescued by a family fishing out to see, after they spotted the bird floating on the water on 26 June. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Crocworld Conservation Centre, Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and FreeMe Wildlife, the bird was rehabilitated and safely released last month.

The Crowned Eagle was believed to have been suffering from dehydration and fatigue after being found in the salt water. After the bird was saved from near death, it was brought to Dr Jonathan Clark of Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic who assessed and medicated it.

“We got a call from Scottburgh Vet asking if we could help rehabilitate the bird,”

recalls James Wittstock, Manager of Crocworld Conservation Centre which is based in Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast.

“They kindly offered to provide the medication if we could look after the bird, feeding it and creating the right environment for rehabilitation. After 2 to 3 weeks, the bird was eating, strong, and showing signs that it was ready for release.”

Last week, Crocworld was contacted by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to ask if the bird could be ringed as part of their Crowned Eagle Project, which monitors and researches the species. Members from the non-profit animal clinic, FreeMe Wildlife, came down from Howick to ring the bird on the day of its release.

“We had the whole team involved in the bird’s rescue and rehabilitation at Crocworld Conservation Centre where it was safely released,”

said Wittstock.

“It flew into a tree and then finally off into the distance which was great to see.”