Two Magnificent Raptors Snatched from Raptor Rescue

In a shocking turn of events, two magnificent raptors have been snatched from the sanctuary of Raptor Rescue, nestled along the N2 near Harkerville. This brazen act unfolded under the cover of darkness on the night of Wednesday, September 13.

Now, a desperate plea echoes through the community, seeking any morsel of information that could pave the way for the safe homecoming of Capone, the regal yellow-billed kite, and Blackie, a majestic American black vulture. Laura Fotheringham, the co-owner of Raptor Rescue, is even willing to bestow a reward to anyone who can facilitate their return.

The motives shrouding this audacious theft remain as elusive as the night itself. Fotheringham, however, harbors grave concerns that these birds might either fall victim to a sale transaction or, even worse, be sacrificed for the arcane world of muti. In an attempt to identify them, Blackie bears the ring number 9A64721, while Capone’s is inscribed as 7A05728, though there may be some ambiguity in deciphering these numbers.

Diving deeper into their avian identities, Blackie stands as an imprint, a bird born from captivity, while Capone has been meticulously trained, boasting the grace of flight. Fotheringham’s words resonate with urgency as she proclaims, “We have taken the matter to the authorities, involving the police and Cape Nature. A handsome reward awaits those who guide these feathered souls back to us. Time is of the essence; these birds are susceptible to stress and dehydration, and we fear for their well-being.”

Kerri Wolter, the CEO of Vulpro, an organization staunchly dedicated to safeguarding Africa’s vulture population, sheds light on Blackie’s unique history. This vulture, currently on loan to Raptor Rescue in Plett, had herself been rescued from the confines of a pet shop near Johannesburg.

The plight of vultures extends beyond this heinous act. They find themselves entangled in the web of superstition, with their body parts sought after for various mystical purposes. Their brains are believed to bestow the gift of foresight, feathers are coveted for relief from headaches, and talons are regarded as lucky charms.

Wolter elaborates further, revealing the grim reality that vultures often fall victim to baseless superstitions, becoming the target of unwarranted violence, particularly in the wild. The motives behind this theft are multifaceted; it could involve selling these birds, exploiting their body parts, or engaging in the nefarious world of bird trading.

The gravity of the situation is not lost on Wolter, who laments, “This theft has inflicted not only trauma upon us but also unleashed a torment upon these defenseless birds. We remain in the dark about their current circumstances, their treatment, and their living conditions. They might be confined within the confines of a box or cage, a situation that is nothing short of horrifying.”

Sourced from: Plett News