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Owls Soar Free: Rescued Birds Return to Skies
21 Jul
Summary
- Seven injured owls were released after rehabilitation at Holly's Nest.
- Littering is a major cause of owl injuries, accounting for 95% of cases.
- Holly's Nest is the largest deer rehab center in North Carolina.
More than 200 people gathered at San-Lee Park to witness the release of seven owls that had been nursed back to health by Holly's Nest Animal Rescue. Byron and Kim Wortham, founders of the Sanford-based rescue, aim to educate the public and inspire future animal caretakers through such events.
The Worthams established Holly's Nest in 2004 to honor their late daughter, Holly, and have since obtained permits for numerous animal species, excluding bears and alligators. They received nonprofit status in 2011 and now care for hundreds of injured animals annually.
Byron Wortham stressed that human-related issues, especially roadside litter, cause approximately 95% of the injuries treated, particularly impacting owls seeking food from discarded bags. These owls typically recover over four months before their release.
Holly's Nest is recognized as North Carolina's largest deer rehabilitation facility, handling about 145 fawns each year. The rescue operates as a nonprofit, relying heavily on donations to cover the considerable costs of animal care, with owl feeding alone costing about $4 per day per bird.
