From facebookOn 16 December (a Bank Holiday in South Africa) I was at a Year End function with friends. I received a call from our chairman, Gerald Draper, informing me that a Black Eagle with severe injuries was brought in to Vulpro, a facility that cares for, and rehabilitates Vultures and other Birds of Prey. It was thought to have been Emoyeni. As both Gerald and Ernest were far away on holiday at the coast, he asked me to attend to the matter.
I ended the call, with a pounding heart and trying to get my wits together. The mobile started ringing again, and this time it was Pieter Saunders from Wonderboom Urban Black Eagle. He informed me that he was already on his way to Vulpro, as he lives a lot closer to Vulpro than me. He was in contact with Natasja at Vulpro, and told me that the eagle had a ring, and that the ring referred to Emoyeni.
I assured him that Em was not ringed, and when I asked him about the injuries, he told me that it was sustained from a Duiker ewe that was protecting her lamb from being taken. I then knew in my heart it was not Emoyeni, as our pair mainly preys on Guineafowl and Hyrax, with the occasional hare.
It was eventually determined that the eagle in question was our 2007 chick, ringed in August 2007 by Prof Craig Symes, and I think due to the reference that it was an offspring of Em, caused the initial miss-identification. Natasja also ascertained that she was named Makhaza, meaning very, or bitterly cold. Apparently the winter of 2007 was exceptionally cold.
Pieter later told me that the eagle’s legs were paralysed, and that they put her in a sling overnight. She was x-rayed the next day, and thankfully there were no broken bones.
I took a drive to Vulpro on Friday to go and meet, and to visit our injured lady. I personally joined the Project after 2007, so I never knew Makhaza.
It was such a privilege to gently rub her head, and she very calmly just looked at me. It was as if she fully understood that we were there to take of her. Natasha gently lifted her leg up, and she slowly closed the talon, so there is a bit of mobility. They are of the opinion that once the swelling subsides, she should regain full mobility in her legs.
The enclosed photos are of a majestic bird, but in a very unflattering position, but we trust she will recover fully and soar on the wind soon again.
The one positive aspect of this incident is that we now know for sure that at least one of Thulani and Emoyeni’s offspring has survived for eight years now, and that she has settled in an area between 40 and 50 kilometres north of the breeding site.
Wishing her well.
Johann.
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