Educational birds of prey killed in suspected dog attack

GQEBERHA – Animals in Wonderland, an educational wildlife sanctuary in Crockarts Hope, has suffered a tragic blow after eight of its birds of prey were killed over the weekend.

The sanctuary, which cares for hundreds of animals, suspects that dogs may have been responsible for the attack.

An emotional Jeru Greenfingers, co-owner of the sanctuary, struggled to hold back tears as she spoke to the PE Express, describing the loss as devastating. She said the birds were not only educational ambassadors but also beloved members of the sanctuary’s family.

“Our breeding pair of Harrier Hawks, two Barn Owls, a Cape Eagle Owl, two Hornbills and an Augur Buzzard were all lost,” Greenfingers said.

Among the birds were Bailey, a 12-year-old Barn Owl who was raised beside Greenfingers’ bed; Gray, a 26-year-old Augur Buzzard who had been at the sanctuary since he was ten; and Harriette, a Cape Eagle Owl who had lived at the sanctuary for 16 years.

“These birds were family. They were part of our lives every day. To lose them is something no words can describe,” she said.

The sanctuary, home to more than 400 animals including bush pigs, foxes, monkeys and meerkats, discovered the incident on Sunday morning following a stormy Saturday night.

“We didn’t hear anything because of the rain. All my cages had digging marks and what looked like dog paw prints, but they couldn’t get into the other enclosures,” Greenfingers said.

According to Greenfingers, the birds were extensively used for educational outreach at schools across Gqeberha, where they helped teach learners about wildlife conservation and environmental awareness.

In response to the attack, the sanctuary is urgently seeking to raise R200,000 to predator-proof the property with reinforced fencing and enclosures, as well as to improve security.

“We are still in shock and completely devastated. These animals were not just in our care — they were family and ambassadors we loved deeply. We are terrified of losing more,” she said.

Greenfingers appealed for public support: “If you are able to donate — no matter how small — you are helping us protect the animals that remain.”

For more information, visit https://animalsinwonderland.co.za/support-our-sanctuary/