supplied (Echotrack K9 Training)
A reward is still on offer for the safe return of one of two birds stolen from Raptor Rescue in Plettenberg Bay last week.
The Organization took to social media on Sunday to announce the safe return of their Yellow Billed Kite named Capone.
They say the bird was very hungry and had damage to its claws and feathers but was otherwise doing well.
It's suspected that Capone "might have escaped from a second location", and had made his way back to the sanctuary.
"He may have recognised the similar structures, fencing, open areas, and perhaps the sound of the dogs at the kennels, confusing it for our centre and our dogs, which lead him to stop there. Capone is a free-flighted bird and had he escaped at the centre he would have stayed in the immediate area."
Raptor Rescue expressed their huge gratitude to the Harkwrville community and especially to Courtney Mansfield and Tapiwa from Echotrack K9 Training & Kennels who assisted in getting him back.
Still Missing
Blackie, an American black vulture is still missing though and concerns have been raised that she will be sold for the muti trade.
She was rescued from a pet shop in Krugersdorp in 2018 and spent time at a vulture rehabilitation centre in Hartebeespoortdam called Vulpro.
The organisation, which described Blackie as intelligent and charismatic, gave the bird to Raptor Rescue in 2021, on loan, to be an educational ambassador for vultures and their conservation.
Blackie has a ring number: 9A64721
Raptor Rescue opened a case with local police as the birds' cages were forced open.
