Owl rescued from concrete mixer now recovering in Utah

Key Concepts

• Great Horned Owl Rescue
• Concrete Ingestion/Exposure
• Wildlife Rehabilitation
• Feather Molting
• Rehabilitation Prognosis
• Release Planning

Great Horned Owl Rescue and Initial Assessment

The video details the rescue and ongoing rehabilitation of a great horned owl that encountered an unprecedented situation in the 40-year history of the Best Friend's Animal Sanctuary in Utah. The owl was discovered by the Department of Wildlife Resources, who retrieved it from an individual who found it inside a concrete mixer at a construction site.

Extent of Concrete Exposure

Upon arrival at the sanctuary in late October, the owl, weighing approximately 2 pounds, was found to have 25% of its body covered in dried concrete. This included its face, chest, and right wing.

Cleaning and Rehabilitation Process

Bart and his colleagues at the sanctuary implemented a meticulous cleaning process.

• Initial Removal: They began by using hemostats and forceps to gently crush larger pieces of dried concrete.
• Fingertip Removal: Subsequently, they used their fingertips to crumble away the smaller concrete fragments.
• Bathing and Drying: Following each 20-minute cleaning session, the owl was bathed in a solution of dish soap and water and then thoroughly dried.

Rarity of the Case and Expert Consultation

The sanctuary team noted the extreme rarity of this type of rescue, contrasting it with other animal rescues from confined spaces, such as a raccoon found in a chimney. They consulted with other wildlife rehabilitators, who confirmed they had no prior experience with a similar case involving an owl and concrete.

Prognosis and Future Rehabilitation Steps

Despite the severity of the initial condition, the care plan appears to be effective, leading to a "really good" long-term prognosis for the owl.

• Feather Molting: A crucial next step is waiting for the owl to molt and grow healthier feathers, which are essential for silent flight.
• Mobility Improvement: A positive sign of recovery is the owl's recent relocation to an outdoor enclosure, where it was observed successfully moving to a 6-foot perch.
• Wing Development: New wing feathers are anticipated to grow in during late spring or summer.

Release Plan

The sanctuary plans to release the owl back into the wild in an area near where it was found. However, precautions will be taken to ensure it is not released too close to the original construction site.

Conclusion

The rescue and rehabilitation of this great horned owl highlight the dedication and adaptability of wildlife rehabilitators facing unique and challenging situations. The owl's recovery, marked by its improved mobility and the anticipation of new feather growth, signifies a successful intervention against a highly unusual and potentially life-threatening exposure to concrete. The long-term goal remains a full release back into its natural habitat.