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Owl Freed From Concrete Nightmare
20 Nov
Summary
- An owl was rescued after being covered in hardened concrete.
- Rescuers painstakingly removed concrete using warm water baths.
- The owl is recovering well and will be released next year.
Rescuers at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah faced a unique challenge after a juvenile great horned owl was discovered encased in hardened concrete. The bird, weighing only two pounds, had somehow fallen into a concrete mixer, resulting in a quarter of its body being covered.
Over six days, sanctuary staff meticulously bathed the owl under anesthesia to gradually soften and remove the concrete from its face, chest, and wing. This unprecedented situation required the team to develop a novel approach, showcasing their dedication to the animal's welfare.
The owl is now on the path to recovery, having been moved to an outdoor enclosure where it has demonstrated improved flight. The sanctuary plans to release the resilient bird into a forested area near where it was found, following its next molt in spring or summer 2026.
