Natasja Saunders went off into Centurion on the 10th of February to fetch a very damaged Lanner Falcon that had become entangled with an electric fence.
The Lanner was rushed through to Dr. Dorianne Elliott at the Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital in Pretoria, where a head to toe check was done.
Fortunately, no broken bones were found, however, there were torn ligaments in the right wing, which meant long term care before this beautiful Lanner can be released again.
The Lanner Falcon spent two months under Dr. Elliott’s watchful eye, and by mid April, Gypsy was again collected by Natasja to begin a more natural physio with flight training. Her progress has been remarkable thus far, and she is spending 20 odd minutes flying at a time before coming back down to receive the food supplied!
She will remain under the care of our raptor experts until she is ready to be released!
Some interesting info on this majestic raptor:
These Lanner Falcons are powerful, swift and very well equipped hunters.
In addition incredibly powerful talons, they have a special notch on their beaks, called a tomial tooth.
Once a Lanner Falcon has captured an animal in its talons, it quickly bites the prey's neck, severing the vertebrae and killing it instantly.
Lanner Falcons, (like other birds of prey) will predate on birds (both small and large), like ducks, poultry, franklins, doves, pigeons, rats, mice insects, (and even other small raptors).
Like many birds of prey, Lanner Falcons are facing many threats, including loss or of their habitat, electrocution on power lines, poisoning and human persecution due to them taking poultry as an easy meal.
A very big “thank you” to this very specialized team…
Dr. Elliott, Pieter & Natasja Saunders, and Gerrard Geertshuis who has also put in loads of time flying this beautiful bird! You guys are flipping epic!
