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!

 

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