Daphne is the sweetest Spotted Eagle-owl you could ever hope to meet (though her table manners leave a lot to be desired). She has lived at the Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre all her life. The tree her parents were incubating Daphne in was chopped down and, miraculously, Daphne’s egg was the only one of the clutch that didn’t shatter. The egg was brought to the rehab centre and, on detecting a heartbeat in the egg, they decided to hatch it and raise the chick by hand. While she is imprinted on humans and cannot be released, Daphne’s dear personality is just the ticket to dispel any ill-conceived superstition visitors may hold about owls. She’s a true ambassador for all owl-kind.
As a registered NGO receiving no government support, the Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre relies heavily on donors, sponsors and the visiting public to fund their very important work. Their tiny staff compliment is responsible for the rehabilitation of between 80 and 200 birds of prey every year, all of them injured by or negatively impacted in another way by humans, and then releasing them back into the wild when they’ve recovered sufficiently. If you can’t visit them in person, please visit their website and, if you are able to, assist them in their efforts by making a donation (monetary or in kind).
DeWetsWild 
What a precarious start, and despite being raised by humans it is wonderful that Daphne gets a chance to fly. You and Joubert have some spectacular photos of her. Although she is rather more magnificent, Daphne bears a surprising resemblance to our tabby cat, Nina!
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I’m sure Nina has a similarly sweet disposition, hence the resemblance!
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She is very sweet, though in her own way can be a little imperious !
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She is a cat, after all…
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Very much so 🙂😺
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Seeing Joubert, the young master with the camera, was a lovely surprise! He has such a wonderful life, immersed in nature and encouraged by his parents to evolve into whatever he wishes – and what a better option than to know nature in profound depths that few people experience. He has a grand future…. all thanks to his parents!
The feathered inhabitants of the reserve are lucky, and it’s good when a few become perm residents — it’s always nice to return to a place and there are personalities we remember – and are still there… like seeing old friends.
about a month – or more – ago, i opened several of your pages, including about… and of course you’re good about updating.. how lovely to see the various family shots – and to watch the evolution of the young master!
it’s always a joy to see email notifications of your posts, though sometimes it’s a while before i can hop over and see the images..
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Thank you very much for another kind and encouraging comment, Lisa – it really does mean a lot and even more so in these dark days! Thank you a thousand times over.
Being able to share common interests and hobbies with our son is utterly fulfilling, and we’re so grateful for the blessing.
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Wonderful photos by Joubert! I love his expressions in the shots together with Daphne 🙂
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She’s such a darling, Takami!
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Uile is so pragtig! Jou foto’s is stunning!
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Baie dankie, Aletta – krediet vir baie van die fotos gaan aan Joubertjie en hy gaan baie bly wees om te hoor jy het so daarvan gehou.
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Dis wonderlik Dries!
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Spectacular!
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She certainly is, Lori
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Lovely owl. I’m not sure if your lad is looking happy or slightly nervous!
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There was a slight nervousness at first, but it soon turned to extreme happiness. Even a week later Joubert still can’t stop talking about the experience.
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She has a quizzical look about her.
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She might be sizing up the quality of her adoring fans, Anne.
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She’s a beauty!
janet
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Such a sweetheart, Janet
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Daardie laaste foto wys wat jy bedoel met tafelmaniere, Dries!
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Mens wil nie aandag op ander se foute vestig nie, Tannie Frannie, maar om n hele kuiken sommer so op een slag in te wurg! 😀
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