Greenhills family finds sick owl on washing line
Even though the owl was found to have a trichomoniasis infection, it is doing well at the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Animal rescuers had to intervene at a residence in Greenhills after a sick spotted eagle owl was found.
The owl is currently being treated for a trichomoniasis infection. Georgina Lackinger, from the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, explained a trichomoniasis infection is a parasite infection owls get from the pigeons they catch and eat.
Stephan Hendricks, one of the directors at No More Tears Animal Rescue, explained they found the owl sitting on the laundry line after their neighbour alerted them. They immediately contacted the rehabilitation centre to assist in the rescue of the owl as they had dogs and didn’t want the owl to be harmed.
He noted that the owl was picked up and taken to the vet the same day. They knew he was either sick or had been poisoned as he did not resist when they caught him. He had to spend the night on a drip and the vet confirmed he had a trichomoniasis infection.
Georgina added the owl is luckily doing very well now and the infection is clearing, however, he would have to remain in her care a while longer. She explained the reason for this is that the infection causes lesions on the mouth and throat and only once these have cleared will they be able to tell how soon he can be released back into the wild.
She noted he will adapt well when freed as he is already an adult and will return to his territory.
Stephan asked residents to not hesitate to get in touch with him if they see an owl. He can be contacted on 084 433 7748.
