Wings of Hope
Owl Rescue Takes Flight from Northam to Safety

Northam/ Hartbeespoort – A heart-warming story of courage and compassion unfolded on Friday 8 August 2025, when a barn owl with a fractured wing was rescued in an extraordinary cross-province operation — complete with an airplane and a community united by care.

The call for help came from Mel, who discovered the injured owl near Mawala Lodge outside Northam. Recognising the urgency, Brendan Murray, co-founder of the Owl Rescue Centre (ORC), took to the skies from Kroon Airfield to ensure the bird received medical attention as quickly as possible.

“The faster an animal gets the help it needs, the greater the chance of a successful rehabilitation and release,” explained Danelle Murray, ORC’s co-founder and director.

Mawala Lodge graciously granted Brendan permission to use their small airstrip — a gesture that turned what could have been a long, stressful road trip into a two-hour, life-saving mission. Upon landing, Mel met Brendan on the airstrip, carefully transferring the owl into a special soundproof carrier for the flight to ORC’s Hartbeespoort facility.

At the centre, veterinarians confirmed the owl’s wing was fractured, likely from a collision with a fence or vehicle — a common risk for these nocturnal hunters. Thanks to prompt care, the owl is now healing well and expected to make a full recovery before being reintroduced to the wild through a gradual soft-release programme.

“We believe in the intrinsic value of every single life,” says Danelle. “When an animal is in distress, its suffering is immediate and absolute. If we have the means to help, we are duty-bound to do so.”

The Owl Rescue Centre, a registered non-profit based in Hartbeespoort, rescues and rehabilitates around 2,000 owls annually, while also caring for other wildlife such as baboons, porcupines, caracals, monkeys, and even crocodiles and hippos. Beyond rescue work, the organisation leads research and education initiatives to reduce human-wildlife conflict and promote biodiversity — including vital research as part of the IUCN Otter Specialist Group.

The team extended heartfelt thanks to Mawala Lodge for their swift cooperation and to Mel, whose compassion set this life-saving mission in motion.

The barn owl is on the mend — and soon, it will take to the skies again.

Main photo: The injured owl during its dramatic rescue mission, safely secured for its flight to Hartbeespoort.

About Owl Rescue Centre NPC

Owl Rescue Centre is a registered non-profit company and permitted rehabilitation facility devoted to the care of Southern Africa’s owl species and other wildlife. Founded by Brendan and Danelle Murray, the centre forms part of a 12,000-hectare conservancy near Hartbeespoort and is a proud member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission and Otter Specialist Group.

www.owlrescuecentre.org.za | info@owlrescuecentre.org.za