From her first shaky steps in rehabilitation to a glorious take-off back into the wild!
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (19 June 2026) – There are few sights more uplifting than watching animals return to the wild after undergoing rehabilitation from an injury or illness. Thanks to the dedicated team at CROW (Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife), a Secretary Bird is free once again!
After arriving at the rehabilitation centre weak, exhausted and urgently needing care, the majestic bird has now been successfully released back into the wilderness, marking the end of a recovery and the beginning of a new wild start!
The Secretary Bird was initially brought to CROW by the Durban & Coast SPCA after being found in a fragile state. Upon arrival, the wildlife team immediately examined her for injuries, assessed her condition and provided supportive treatment to help stabilise her.
Despite her exhaustion, she managed to slowly gather herself and stand on her own. That was a hopeful sign. She had the determination to survive.
Her rehabbers helped her along every step of the way. Over the following weeks, the team kept a close eye on her as she regained her strength. Happy updates from CROW shared that she was thriving in her temporary enclosure, eating well, gaining weight and showing all the right signs of recovery.
Then came the news everyone had been hoping for. Toward the end of May, after completing her rehabilitation, the Secretary Bird was released back into the wild.
“A moment worth celebrating,” C.R.O.W. shared. “Rescued weak and exhausted, rehabilitated with care and now soaring towards a second chance at life.”
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Courageous Young Sango the Pango on His Way to Freedom!The Secretary Bird is one of our country’s most recognisable and fascinating birds. It has (very) long legs, a striking crest of feathers and an almost eagle-like appearance.
Unlike many birds of prey, Secretary Birds spend most of their time on the ground, striding through grasslands in search of food. They are known for their impressive hunting skills and can cover vast territories of up to 50 square kilometres! While they are capable flyers, they prefer life on foot and require a long running start before taking to the skies (as seen in the release video below).
They are also fiercely loyal. Secretary Birds mate for life and, although they may appear solitary outside of breeding season, their partner is usually somewhere nearby.
Stories like this are only made possible by organisations like CROW, South Africa’s oldest wildlife rehabilitation centre. The organisation rescues, rehabilitates and releases more than 3000 orphaned, injured and displaced wild animals every year.
The small but passionate team of staff and volunteers provides a lifeline to wildlife in distress, helping everything from birds and reptiles to monkeys, mongoose, genets and antelope find their way back to the wild.
Watch the heartwarming release of the secretary bird:
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