From Owl Rescue Centre

A couple of photos of our 20 000 wildlife rescues that we’ve done over the last fifteen years. Initially we were just doing it for fun, but looking back now, 20 000 is a big number and one we’re pretty proud of. We can’t tell you how many thousands of nights we’ve spent on the road traveling to rescues across the country, never mind the days. Hopefully we have made a positive difference to the conservation status of a few of these guys.

Agreeably, many of them are common species and don’t attract the attention of corporates or individuals that would wish to sponsor a wildlife organisation, but we are of the belief that every living creature should be afforded the opportunity to live a full and enjoyable life.

That’s something we’ve had limited success with, attracting sponsors that is, and something we’re going to need to mention more often. The last few photos is of us going to potential fundraiser meetings dressed as pirates, air hostesses and rock stars. And that’s because we still just do this for fun!

Edit: Just updated all the pics with any info I could find.

It’s really amazing so the animals this couple had helped. I’ve been enjoying their content since I found them. They work very hard, cover a ton of territory, and have a great sense of humor.

They must be at this 24/7, so they must be absolutely living (should have said loving, but they do both appear to be very much alive and well) and dedicated people.

  • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
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    2 months ago

    26 Nov 2021

    A rather special rescue this morning. A juvenile Martial Eagle that came down in a storm late yesterday afternoon.

    These guys are the largest and most powerful of all our African eagles and it’s always a privilege to be able to save one.

    We’ll take him to our vets for a full medical and hopefully he can go home soon.

      • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
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        2 months ago

        I sometimes debate sharing other photos than the owls, but after seeing this behemoth, I knew that this must be shared!

        • kersplooshA
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          2 months ago

          This whole post is gold, both the owls and non-owls. Those two people do look like they’re living the dream, too! I’m reconsidering my life goals right now.

          • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
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            2 months ago

            They do make it look really fun!

            The fundraising is probably the part I would enjoy the least. I think I’d rather be on poo cleanup.

            I’m glad you liked all the pictures. That Martial Eagle especially is a heck of a creature I’ll have to learn more about.

    • abbadon420@lemm.ee
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      2 months ago

      Holy shit. That thing is massive. I was literally shocked, scrolling down after admiring that cute little fuzzball owly and suddenly this mountain popped up. I love it

      • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
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        2 months ago

        It took me by surprise as well. I know there’s some bug ones out there, but there are not usually being cradled in photos to get a real sense of scale!

        With about 250 types of owls, we have ones from me the Pygmy like in the lead photo you to the Blakiston Fish Owl, that’s just shy of the size of this eagle. I’ve seen it described as fire hydrant sized.

        My one regret about this community already being established before I got here is I wish it had been made for all birds of prey. They are all such amazing and diverse animals. I like being able to sneak one in here and there.

        Glad you enjoyed the post, this is one of my favorites I’ve done.

    • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
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      2 months ago

      Possibly Marsh Owls?

      Only reference was a paywalled article in what I’m assuming is Afrikaans… But these seem to be before pictures:

  • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
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    2 months ago

    08 Sep 2022

    Earlier today we were out on a rescue in a new water reservoir in Johannesburg. A Barn Owl had managed to get inside, and with them planning to fill it up with water, he needed to be caught and relocated. When we got there the management of WBHO, who have just built the reservoir, took us a bet that we wouldn’t catch him. We even shook on it.

    Well in their defense, they probably don’t or didn’t know that we take our wildlife rescuing efforts pretty serious and that we’ve never left an owl behind.

    This case was no different and now WBHO needs to honour that bet they took and lost. It was one of those open type wagers and we never discussed what the prize would be… We’re hoping that they’ll think outside the box and make it something special.

    If anyone here works for WBHO please let the folks in the corner offices know what they need to do!