JUL / AUGUST 2025
THE GREYTON POST
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Toni Younghusband EARS Gelding Greyton’s horses is a welfare priority C huck is an orphaned foal being cared for at EARS Donkey
set up a holding paddock for post-surgery care, managed by an experienced local horse owner with EARS’ support. For R1000, sponsors will be paired with a specific horse, ensuring their contribution has a direct impact. Gelding isn’t cheap, but the payoff is immense: safer roads, fewer accidents, a healthier horse population, and a more sustainable landscape. To sponsor a gelding, donate R1000 to: EARS Donkey Sanctuary, Absa, Acc #9309869152 Reference: GELDING Email POP, name, and cell number to: toni@ greytondonkeysanctuary. co.za Help us protect what makes our valley so special.
Beyond safety, free-roaming horses are placing pressure on the environment, with repeated over-grazing damaging our landscapes. Much of this could be prevented by gelding. Our valley—home to Greyton, Genadendal, Boschmanskloof, Heuwelkroon, Voorstekraal and Bereaville—hosts an estimated 400–600 mostly free-roaming horses. While they add charm to our villages, they also pose danger to themselves, people, and the land. From 1 June, EARS is launching a gelding drive, raising funds to sterilise as many stallions as possible. We’ve partnered with vets offering welfare rates, secured willing owners, and
Sanctuary. His mother and older sibling were killed— not by a speeding car or a dog, but by another horse. A stallion. Chuck was lucky to survive. During mating season, stallions often fight, injuring or killing each other, mares, foals, and even people caught in the chaos. Also in EARS’ care is a small mare, her body weakened by more than ten pregnancies, leaving her vulnerable to disease. She is one of many horses still roaming our streets. Last year alone, five young foals died on Greyton’s roads after wandering into traffic. Drivers were fortunate to escape with only minor injuries.
Grace Valley Wildlife Rescue Talks Owls, Fledglings, and First Aid
A s the Spotted Eagle Owl breeding season begins, The Greyton Post caught up with Shireen from Grace Valley Wildlife Rescue, a frontline wildlife first responder in the Overberg region, to find out what to expect and how residents can help. “It’s such an exciting time! Spotted Eagle Owls nest in late autumn and winter, so you might notice them more often—especially at dawn or dusk as they look for nesting spots and hunt for their growing families,” Shireen explains. “Interestingly, they don’t build typical nests but use ground scrapes, tree hollows, or even quiet building corners. Because they lay eggs a few days apart, it’s normal to see a big fluffy owlet with a smaller sibling. Both parents play a role, so it’s natural to see them more during this time.” Seeing young owls on the ground during this period is also common. “Fledglings spend 3-4 days on the ground learning to
fly and hunt. Unless injured or in danger, don’t interfere. Keep dogs on leashes and let neighbours know. Watch from a distance—human interference causes stress.” Why are these owls so important? “One owl family can eat up to 3,000 rodents a year! They’re natural pest controllers. Please avoid using poison for rodents— it’s excruciating for wildlife and can take up to 12 days to kill, affecting owls, raptors, and other predators.” How can people support owls? “Give them space and consider installing an owl box for nesting pairs. Anyone interested can contact me for guidance. And remember, all wildlife needing care must go to a permitted centre—it’s illegal to rehabilitate wild animals at home.” For locals who want to help, Shireen encourages them to become trained first responders. “I host regular online workshops, covering first aid and safe
transport for injured or ill wildlife. It’s a wonderful way to help on the ground.” Contact Shireen: WhatsApp 072 130 2208 | hello@gracevalleyhaven.co.za | www.gracevalleyhaven.co.za
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