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Barn owls and witchcraft

26 July 2010

Categories: Homepage News, PAW News

In recent weeks at the Wildlife Centre in Lilongwe we have seen an influx of Barn Owls - eight fledglings and one adult have arrived in just the last ten days. The first clutch, a family group consisting of Mum with three fledglings, stayed with us overnight and we then re-homed them to a barn environment on the edge of the city. Just a few days later we received a clutch of five fledglings, which unfortunately arrived without their mother. These little guys required more intense care and they are currently staying with a volunteer who is feeding them around the clock – including three feeds every night!!!

In Malawian folklore Barn Owls bring bad luck and are associated with witchcraft. Any Malawian who is known to have Barn Owls living in their quarters is considered to be a Witch Doctor or practicing witchcraft. Unlike much of Africa, where witch doctors are respected members of the community, in Malawi they are feared for the curses they are able to cast. Therefore, when someone discovers Barn Owls living in their attic or barn they remove them before they face any retribution from the community.

It is hugely encouraging to know that more and more members of the local community see Lilongwe Wildlife Centre as a sanctuary to which they are choosing to bring the owls rather than 'disposing' of them. It will undoubtedly take a long time for cultural beliefs to shift but we are certainly making headway in changing attitudes towards wildlife and animal welfare and we really appreciate the support of the local communities and their chiefs in spreading the conservation message.

If you would like to help Lilongwe Wildlife Centre and its vital work, please donate here http://www.bornfree.org.uk/shop/acatalog/Lilongwe_Wildlife_Centre.html