Care, Recovery, Release - The Steppe Buzzard

Posted on Thu January 29, 2026.

This Steppe Buzzard arrived at Cango Wildlife through CapeNature with severe eye injuries. His right eye was injured - crusted and swollen, coupled with permanent blindness in his left eye. Vulnerable and unable to survive on his own in the wild, he was brought to our team for rehabilitation.

Under the care of our Zoological Manager, Dedré Rupping, the buzzard received focused veterinary treatment, including antibiotics and pain management. Over the next six days of rehabilitation, his condition steadily improved. He began eating well, regained strength, and started showing natural hunting behaviour.

Once he was stable and demonstrating the instincts needed to survive, we started with release preparations.

Steppe Buzzards are resilient birds, and despite limited vision in his left eye, his right eye had recovered fully, and we felt most confident in a successful release. Assistant Curator Jenna Lowe returned the Steppe Buzzard to the wild on our private reserve, where he took flight once more. 

Although the species is currently listed as 'Least Concern' on IUCN, birds of prey continue to face increasing pressure from habitat loss and human related threats. Each successful release reinforces the importance of timely intervention, skilled care, and strong collaboration.

Stories like these reflect the essence of conservation work. Providing care when it is needed most, and stepping back when the time comes to let wild animals return to the wild.

Watch the full release here!

 

Further Reading

Stories From Our Veterinary Team Thu April 30, 2026

World Veterinary Day may have passed, but the work it recognises continues every single day at Cango Wildlife. Veterinary care sits quietly at the centre of everything, supporting each animal, guiding every decision, and ensuring that those in our care receive the attention they deserve. It is not always visible to visitors, but it is always present. This year, we took a moment to reflect on the people behind that care. Dr...

Read This Article
For Every Kind Of Mother Thu April 30, 2026

Mother’s Day is often marked with flowers, gifts, and quiet moments of appreciation. This year at Cango Wildlife, it becomes something more. A two day celebration, on 09 and 10 May, dedicated not only to human mothers, but to every form of motherhood we are privileged to witness. Because care is not limited to one species. Across the facility, motherhood takes many shapes. It is seen in the quiet watchfulness of a...

Read This Article
A Community That Shows Up Thu April 30, 2026

In Oudtshoorn, wildlife is part of daily life. And when that life crosses into homes, schools, or businesses, there is often one person people call first - Mornay Thysse. For years, Mornay has been the steady hand in moments of panic. Safely removing and relocating snakes, protecting both people and wildlife with calm, skill, and respect for the animals he works with. His role is not always easy. It is often urgent,...

Read This Article