Barn owls reshaping the ecological narrative at University of the Free State

HIGH above the hushed study spaces of the Sasol Library at the University of the Free State (UFS), a remarkable conservation story unfolds, intertwining the realms of academia and urban wildlife.

- STAFF REPORTER

Nestled within the library’s rafters, a pair of barn owls has not only found a home but has also become a symbol of ecological resilience and community engagement.

Their journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, reflects a profound narrative of coexistence, prompting students and staff alike to reconsider the role of educational spaces in fostering biodiversity. As these owls raise their chicks amid the backdrop of scholarly pursuits, they invite us to explore the delicate balance between nature and knowledge, reminding us that even in the heart of urban environments, life thrives in unexpected ways.

Professor Vasu Reddy, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation, who oversees libraries within the institution, said the owls embody a deeper meaning. “If we consider Shakespeare’s play, All’s Well That Ends Well, then the presence of the owls in the Sasol Library confirms another meaning of that play,” he said.

“Love is not always considered noble but is something persistent, and our library exemplifies a living ecosystem where documents, people, and even animals can interact in nurturing ways.”