Dr Shabeer swoops in to assist owl
“I think that the man probably saw the owl struggling and tried to make some money by selling something unusual.”
Edenvale veterinarian Dr Shabeer Bhoola recently came to the rescue of an injured Marsh Owl after it was rushed into his care.
The bird, which had sustained an injury to its wing, was taken to the Terrace Road Veterinary Clinic on May 24 by members of the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (SAWRC).
Shabeer said the bird was rescued by a concerned citizen from a man trying to sell it for R10.
After assessing the owl, Shabeer diagnosed that the bird had broken its ulna.
Shabeer added that the owl had a bruised head and what appeared to be a concussion.
“I don’t believe the owl was injured by the man who was trying to sell it,” said Shabeer.
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“I think that the man probably saw the owl struggling and tried to make some money by selling something unusual.”
When the owl arrived at Terrace Road Veterinary Clinic Shabeer said the bird seemed alert.
Veterinarian Leo Manyora, who has a special interest in orthopaedic injuries, tended to the bird of prey and repaired its broken bone.
The bird has since been returned to SAWRC where it is currently being rehabilitated.
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“In a few weeks’ time the owl should be released to the wild,” said Shabeer.
Shabeer said in addition to the Marsh owl he was also recently asked to treat a Spotted Eagle Owl and a Lanner Falcon.
Both birds had injuries to their wings and were taken to Shabeer 10 days ago.
Shabeer said the eagle owl had broken its humerus in several places and needed special attention.
After the birds’ injuries have been healed and they have been rehabilitated they will be released into the wild.
“Working with bird bones can be quite tricky. They are only a few millimetres thick,” said Shabeer.
“If the bones are not repaired correctly, the bird will never be able to hunt again.”
Over the years Shabeer has worked in close partnership with SAWRC and treated a number of uncommon patients.
In 2017 he treated a two-day-old Black Wildebeest which had been brought to him.
“I enjoy helping wild animals and seeing them returned to the wild.”
Shabeer said over the past five years he has noticed a decline in the number of wild birds in the area.
“On average we used to get one injured bird a week now we might only get one injured bird a month.”
Shabeer said some reasons for the decline in birds of prey could be attributed to human development in the area and the use of rat poison.
“If community members do come across an injured bird of prey they need to take it to their closest vet or wild animal rehabilitation centre,” said Shabeer.
He explained that by not doing this and keeping the bird community members could endanger the bird even more.
“I understand that everyone wants to work with wild animals and help get them on their way but sometimes the birds are given the wrong diet or imprint on humans.”
Shabeer said it takes a lot longer for an injured bird to recover from its injuries if it has been fed the wrong food.
He added that birds or any wild animals which have imprinted on humans can never be released in the wild.
Shabeer encouraged community members interested in helping animals to get involved in organisations such as SAWRC.
In June SAWRC will host a wildlife rehabilitation course. Participants will be taught how to assist wild animals.
For more information or to get involved in helping wild animals email vanessa@sawrc.org.za
“I believe that the more people who know what to do and how to help wild animals, the better.”
