From Umoya Khulula Wildlife Centre
This brave Spotted Eagle-Owl was found on the side of the road, most likely after being hit by a car. When he arrived with us, he was paralysed from the waist down, weak, underweight, and covered in mud. It was clear he had been through a terrible ordeal.
X-rays showed no broken bones, which gave us a small glimmer of hope. In cases like these, there is always uncertainty, but sometimes with anti-inflammatories, rest, and physiotherapy, movement can return. We knew he deserved that chance.
Slowly, he began to fight his way back. After just a few days, he started reacting with his talons. Ten days later, he was bearing weight and standing on his own again.
He still has a journey ahead of him, but every small step is a victory. We are hopeful that with time, strength, and care, this beautiful owl will make a full recovery and once again return to the wild where he belongs.
Paralyzed at intake to bearing weight 10 days later is encouraging. Also, quite the mouth display - I hadn’t realized how much bigger the inside of their mouth is compared to the curvy bit that sticks out of their feathers. Makes sense given the size of their prey, I just hadn’t seen a picture before.
I’m always happy to show you something new! They’ve got such interesting physiology.
That mouth does get pretty big, both to swallow and so they can expel their pellets later on. With no teeth, having a big mouth makes their work a lot easier. And it makes for some great photos!