It started with a moment of concern at a taxi rank and ended with a triumphant flight back to freedom! Thanks to a caring citizen and the swift actions of the Randburg SPCA and OwlProject.org, a Barn Owl found in distress was rescued, rehabilitated, and joyfully returned to its natural home this week!
Randburg, South Africa (06 June 2025) – Early last week, we reported about the heartwarming moment which saw a Barn Owl (Tyto alba) rescued near the Zandspruit taxi rank thanks to the kindness of a concerned citizen and the combined efforts of the Randburg SPCA, conservation non-profit OwlProject.org, and the team at Jackal Creek Golf Estate.
After undergoing the necessary checks, we’re happy to share that our feathered friend has safely returned to its home territory!
Where It All Began…
The journey began when a member of the public spotted the distressed owl and alerted the Randburg SPCA. The owl was then transferred to OwlProject.org, a non-profit dedicated to owl conservation and education.
“We took it to the Bryanston Avian, Exotic & Small Animal Clinic, where it was thoroughly examined and given a clean bill of health,” says Alison Hepplestone of OwlProject.org.
“After a short observation period, we released it back into its familiar environment on the evening of Wednesday, 4 June.”
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Returning the Zandspruit Owl to its Natural Habitat
The owl release took place at Jackal Creek Golf Estate, near where the owl had been found. Shelley Olivier of Jackal Creek’s environmental team and Bongani Khumalo of the Randburg SPCA, who initially collected the owl, joined Alison Hepplestone and Sara Orchardson from OwlProject.org for the release. Together, they watched as the owl soared gracefully over the fairways before settling high in the trees.
”There’s nothing quite like seeing these magnificent birds up close.” Hepplestone reflects.
”It’s always a bittersweet moment, knowing they were once in a condition that required our help, but watching them recover and take to the skies again is one of the most joyful and rewarding experiences we can have.”
This uplifting moment marks the final chapter in the owl’s journey, sparked by compassion and ending in a quiet triumph for urban wildlife. It also highlights what can be achieved when everyday South Africans, organisations, and estates unite for conservation.
Creating Owl-Friendly Environments
The OwlProject.org is an owl conservation effort that strives to create owl-friendly children with a keen focus on education.
Founded almost 20 years ago. It aims to introduce young black South African children to the wonderful world of owls, their beauty, as well as their enormous potential as partners in the control and management of rats.
The organisation plays a unique role – not just through rehabilitation but by transforming perceptions of owls in communities where they are often misunderstood or feared. This donation-dependent nonprofit runs educational programmes in township schools, helping children discover the vital role owls play in rodent control and ecosystem health.
“One of our core programmes involves dissecting owl pellets with learners, showing them firsthand that owls eat rats,” explains Sara Orchardson.
“We collect pellets from serviced EcoSolutions’ owl boxes, and children identify the prey remains – it’s a hands-on, memorable way to show why owls matter.”
To support the vital work helping owls and educating communities, visit www.owlproject.org.
Your donations and involvement help transform fear into fascination – and make a real difference for owls and people alike.
Sources: Supplied
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