A magnificent juvenile crowned eagle was rescued at sea last week and is currently on the road to recovery.
It is believed that the eagle was found bobbing in and out of the water on the mid-South Coast. Fishermen on a boat made the discovery and realised that the bird needed help. It was rescued and taken to Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic.
Dr Jonathan Clark examined the eagle and found it to be in shock; its feathers were soaked through, and it was very cold.
“It was not fighting us, which was not a good sign as this is an eagle, after all. It was definitely compromised and dehydrated being in that cold salt water,” he said.
Clark explained that the eagle was most probably out at sea trying to catch something and, being a juvenile, may have overestimated itself.
In order to get the eagle back into shape, Clark and his team tube-fed the bird and also gave it fluids. It was also given anti-inflammatory medication in case of any inflammation from its ordeal.
The vet then passed the bird onto Crocworld Conservation Centre, where it’s being kept until it is fully recovered.
“It’s good for the eagle to be at the conservation centre where it can stay outdoors and will be free flighted,” added Clark.
“We did send it off with some supplemental food and nutrition, and Crocworld has also been using the feed that they give to their raptors.”
On Monday this week, Crocworld was contacted for an update on the eagle’s recovery.
As per the centre manager, James Wittstock, the eagle is doing very well and looking strong.
“It’s eating regularly and doing everything that it should be doing,” said Wittstock.
“We are looking at mid to late next week to release the bird.”
Clark, who has been working at this veterinary clinic since February, is happy with how far the eagle has come.
This isn’t his first wildlife case, as he previously helped with other Crocworld cases, including the recovery of a wood owl and a crowned crane. The vet team also had many wild birds brought in and works with a monkey rescue centre.
“I love it all, and this is my passion. It feels really good to help different animals where I can,” said Clark.
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