Libra is an immature Bateleur that was badly injured after being hit by a vehicle. So badly injured in fact, that a vet advised she be euthanised. The dedicated staff at the Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre decided neverthless to give saving her life their best shot, and today Libra is finding her wings again, so to speak. Libra’s a very shy youngster – reminiscent of a child hiding behind her mother when meeting a stranger – and the way she has bonded with her caregiver Magdali will melt your heart.
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 
Beautiful Bird… 🙂
That she is most certainly, and once she has her adult plumage she’ll be spectacular.
How remarkable that she is recovered enough to be flying again. What amazing commitment and sense of caring the staff at the centre must have. Libra has a deeply soulful look – well captured in the photos.
Such an inspiring story she has, Carol. I’m sure the staff at the centre also look at her with admiration and gratitude.
Hello Dries,
Oh, her eyes seem to say it all. I am so happy she has a devoted human friend and the support of those who work tirelessly everyday. Wonderful photos by Joubert! 🙂
Thank you very much, Takami – I’ll be sure to show Joubert your comment when he wakes up this morning. Seeing how young Libra finds comfort with Magdali rally leaves no doubt about the dedication and commitment of the team at the Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre.
Such a magnificent creature and the obvious bond she and Magdali share is truly heartwarming…🥰
Amazing beyond words, Lori. That’s why places like these need our support.
This looks like a real success story. It reminds me of a farmer, barely holding back his tears, bringing his badly mauled bull terrier to the vet to be euthanized. We happened to be there again two weeks later when the sombre looking man came to pay his bill. You should have seen the joy, the laughter – and tears all round – when the vet came through with a battle-scarred yet bouncy dog quite ready to go home! I hope Libra will grow up feeling the freedom it would otherwise have been denied.
We do love a story with a happy ending, don’t we Anne!?
Most likely that Libra will recover and be around. Thanks, D. 🙂
And all thanks to the love and care of the dedicated staff at the centre, H.J. I hope their message spreads far and wide.
The photo of Magdali and Libra is precious. So glad that this little one was saved.
Without a doubt the interaction between Magdali and Libra was the most hartwarming memory of our visit to the Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre, Lois. If all humans had such compassion with the wildlife that shares our planet the world around us would look wholly different today.
I had to revisit your previous post to recall that a bateleur is an eagle. Joubert, excellent shots!
janet
Thank you so much, Janet – Joubert will be thrilled reading your comment. I am also glad you had a look at our old post about the bateleur – their beautiful adult plumage looks vastly different to the immature plumage Libra’s sporting here.
It’s very different but they’re both attractive.