The team at Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast is calling for anyone with information about 4 missing birds to come forward and assist.

A reward has been offered for any information that leads to the successful arrest of the perpetrator/s involved, with the informant’s anonymity assured. On Thursday evening (25 July 2024), a breeding pair of Jackal Buzzards and a chick, as well as a resident Harris Hawk, were taken from the centre.

The Jackal Buzzards form part of one of Crocworld’s many breeding programmes that help to ensure the survival of threatened animal species. The chick that was stolen was due to be released later in the year.

James Wittstock, Manager of Crocworld Conservation Centre said: “We are devastated by this loss and are appealing to the community for any information related to the theft. All our resident animals are much loved, and we are deeply concerned about the reason for taking these birds as well as where they might be now. We hope that a concerted community effort can assist us in locating them.”

Crocworld Conservation Centre is a member of Species360, which is a global conservation entity that facilitates the collection and curation of information on the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), the world’s most comprehensive database of knowledge used for the global fight against extinction. Breeding programmes, such as those involving the Jackal Buzzard, form an important part of this research.

Anyone with relevant information regarding the theft can contact Crocworld Conservation Centre on 039 976 1103.

For more information about the centre, visit www.crocworld.co.za or ‘Crocworld Conservation Centre’ on Facebook and Instagram.