It’s been three months since the four owl chicks arrived at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary and we are on the brink of them spreading their wings and returning to the wild.

Thanks to everyone who participated, the votes are in and out in front was ‘Grant’ named in memory of an ADI supporter who passed away.  We think this young owl flying into the sunset as he starts a new life, is a beautiful tribute to someone who helped ensure a life for these young owls and other animals at ADIWS. The other owls were given Sesotho (the language of our region of South Africa): Neo (meaning “Gift”), Tshepo (“Hope”) and Lesedi (“Light”).

Grant, Neo and Tshepo are flying well and even displaying hunting behaviour. Lesedi cannot fly well yet and was probably injured when the young owls fell from the silo on the farm after their parents disappeared. Lesedi will not be in the initial release, Dr Willhelm is monitoring his condition, and Lesedi will have a safe home in the ADIWS aviary if he cannot be released.

For Grant, Neo and Tshepo, a soft release is planned for the very near future, with the aviary remaining open so they can return, and we will put food out for them. We have put up barn owl boxes around the sanctuary and hope they will stay – we have regularly had barn owls here – but the choice will theirs if they want to find a new territory. Perhaps they will be like Harold the Egyptian goose, go away for months and regularly come back to visit.

Watch out for the next instalment of Owl Watch, the end of their incredible journey with ADIWS – freedom day for Grant, Neo and Tshepo.