URGENT UPDATE: A great horned owl rescued from a cement mixer in southwestern Utah is on the mend and poised to return to the skies after a remarkable recovery at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Found partially encased in concrete at the Black Desert Resort, the young owl’s story has captured hearts and highlights the resilience of wildlife.
The incident unfolded earlier this month when sanctuary workers discovered the owl with its face, chest, and right wing covered in dried concrete. After ensuring the bird could breathe, the team dedicated days to carefully removing the concrete using forceps and cleaning its feathers with toothbrushes and dish soap.
Two weeks post-rescue, the owl is now able to fly again as it continues its recovery in an aviary. Bart Richwalski, a representative from the sanctuary, noted the young male owl’s small size might have contributed to its unfortunate mishap.
Despite its return to flight, the owl’s feathers have been damaged, resulting in a “whooshing” sound when it flies, according to Judah Battista, Chief Sanctuary Officer at Best Friends. The sanctuary has decided to postpone the owl’s release into the wild until it can shed its damaged feathers, expected to happen by spring or summer 2024.
Richwalski expressed hope for the owl’s future, stating, “Once our owl friend recovers, we anticipate taking him back close to where he was found, not on the construction site, but in a natural habitat.”
The owl’s journey from danger to recovery serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges wildlife face in human-dominated landscapes. As it prepares for its eventual release, the sanctuary is committed to ensuring the owl can return to the wild in optimal health, ready to thrive in its natural environment.
Stay tuned for updates on this inspiring recovery story and the owl’s anticipated release!
