Gift Sesatsa found an injured Black Sparrowhawk while walking through his nearby veld; he took it home and built a cage so he could get it help.
Deneysville, South Africa (30 June 2022) – The South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Center shared a very heartwarming story about farm labourer Gift Sesatsa who saved an injured Black Sparrowhawk from a painful death; getting the help it needed to survive.
Gift works on a farm in Veekraal, between Vanderbijlpark and Deneysville. He was walking through a veld when he found the Black Sparrowhawk injured and on the ground. As it didn’t fly away, he knew there was something wrong with the bird.
He carefully picked the bird up and returned home. He placed it away in a safe area and started his rescue project. Gift made a cage for the bird using scrap metal he found lying around. He then placed sticks so the bird could safely perch.
Once the bird was safely secured, he walked to town. His walk was 15km long, and he had his mind set on visiting Bennie van Zyl for help. Bennie lives in Deneysville and is known for his parrots. Gift believed Bennie would be able to help him get proper help for the bird.
Bennie was able to call Vaughan Veale for assistance with the injured bird. Vaughan arrived to collect the bird and saw that its wing was badly injured. The bird was then transported to Pretoria for treatment.
“Our faith in humanity has been given a boost with this. Gift brought tears to our eyes when we heard the whole story of his concern and care for this injured raptor.”
“He has done more with less, than many people do with more. May his kindness toward this beautiful bird somehow come back to him with whatever he needs most!
Huge “Thank you” again to each who were involved with this! Gift – a true hero in our eyes, Bennie, for “knowing what to do”, Vaughan, Anton, Charlene, Pieter and Natasja!” – South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Gift’s kindness and care had meant a great deal to the injured bird. Sadly, the bird passed away once placed under anaesthesia to treat the extensive injuries.
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