A Blue Crane that was unable to stand is now back in the wild, after a rescue effort involving vets and conservation groups working in close partnership.
Swellendam, South Africa (04 December 2025) – South Africa’s national bird is soaring free thanks to a rescue effort involving wildlife responders, vets, conservation organisations and caring community members.
The Overberg Crane Group (OCG), which works to protect the Blue Crane and other threatened birds that live in the Overberg found the bird weak and unable to stand near Stormsvlei. It’s now safely returned to the wild after intensive treatment. The successful rescue was driven by a team of people who refused to give up on the distressed bird.
The bird was first brought to the attention of the Hermitage Veterinary Clinic, where preparations were made to stabilise it. Swellendam guide, birder and wildlife rehab first responder Ross Soller was one of the first to step in.
“On Friday, the secretary at Hermitage Vet Clinic heard through the grapevine about an injured Blue Crane near Stormsvlei. The decision was made to bring the bird to the clinic. I helped move the bird into the treatment area. It was unable to stand, but still fairly alert. There were no obvious external injuries, so we took X-rays, which also showed no clear internal damage.”
With no fractures visible, the team began investigating potential causes.
“While monitoring the bird under anaesthetic, we noticed it was in good condition overall, with a full crop. We also saw a black residue on its beak. Both the vet, Dr Lize Venter, and I felt that poisoning was a strong possibility (including the possibility that it ate a poisonous frog). I reached out to Michelle Watson at Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue Centre and we discussed the next steps. We agreed that rehydrating the bird was the priority so that was done followed by administering Atropine, along with a medley of other necessary meds.”
From that point, all the team could do was wait. Hours passed before encouraging news came through, news that changed the course of the rescue.
Thanks to everyone’s coordinated effort, the Blue Crane returned to its territory. Now alert, feeding and once again fully mobile.
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Ross extended his gratitude on behalf of the entire rescue group:
“Our heartfelt thanks go to the Swellendam SPCA (especially Inspector Cobin), CapeNature (Corné Claasen), Michelle Watson, Christie Craig from Endangered Wildlife Trust, and the team at Hermitage Veterinary Clinic for their dedication and care.”
Thanks to this uplifting rescue we are reminded of how community dedication can help protect South Africa’s most iconic species.
Sources: The Overberg Crane Group
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