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For the love of the owls

Jordan-Michael Hardey, who graduated from the IIE's Varsity College Sandton campus and currently works for EcoSolutions, shares how his childhood interest led him to pursue his dream of protecting animals.

Through their ongoing fight to protect endangered owls, the environmental organisation, EcoSolutions, has been able to make a huge difference by educating communities on saving various wildlife.

A newly recruited member, Jordan-Michael Hardey, shares his vast knowledge of owls and their importance in the environment.

Since his first encounter with an owl years before joining the environmental organisation, Hardey knew from that point what his purpose in life was.

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“I obtained my qualification in communications at the IIE’s Varsity College Sandton campus and I’ve always been passionate about the wellbeing of animals since I was a kid, my interest was mainly centred around marine biology at that time. When I got the opportunity to work for EcoSolutions last year November I did not hesitate at all. It helped me collect more knowledge about other animals that serve a great role in our world including owls. I am grateful for that,” said Hardey.

The organisation that is based in Randburg focuses on pest management while protecting owls.

Barn owl that was rescued by EcoSolutions finds home at Marlboro Gardens School. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

As his role in the conservation company is to communicate with the masses, Hardey delivers presentations to school learners on why individuals should not harm owls and how they help individuals.

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“The talks which I conduct are centred around owls. The biggest problem that we face is the presence of rat poison in households, despite the fact that owls don’t eat rat poison they do consume the rats that have already eaten the poison. The problem is they indirectly get affected and die afterwards,” said the communications manager. “The biggest thing to take away from this is that owls reduce the rate of rodents. In the natural environment with wild animals, everything is a cycle and I know that animals can survive without the presence of humans.”

Hardey concluded by sharing his words of inspiration to children who are looking to be future conservationists. “Push yourself by doing the research centred around the thing that you love about wildlife. Most importantly, share the information with your families and friends, that way your connection to your dream will be more solidified and lastly get some hands-on experience.”

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