Rehabbed great horned owl released back into the wild

COURTESY PHOTOS

Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), in collaboration with Peace River Wildlife Center (PRWC), released a majestic great horned owl back into its natural habitat on May 12 in Cape Coral’s Rosen Park.

The event was jointly announced by Tricia LaPointe, PRWC’s executive director, and Alison Charney Hussey, executive director of CROW.

The owl, a symbol of wisdom and resilience in the animal kingdom, was discovered emaciated and in distress on April 16 in the backyard of a home in North Fort Myers.

According to CROW’s staff veterinarian, Dr. Robin Bast, “Once the owl was stable, an X-ray showed a pellet was lodged in the animal’s shoulder. The pellet was safely removed while the animal was sedated.”

After a few days of rest and supportive care, the owl responded well to treatment. Eleven days later, it was transferred to Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda for additional care in one of its large outdoor enclosures. CROW’s rehabilitation enclosures are currently under construction.

“We are so blessed to have such amazing partners supporting us as we continue our recovery efforts since Hurricane Ian,” says Hussey. “While we rebuild our outdoor enclosures, our partners, such as Peace River Wildlife Center, play an important role in the final process of our patient’s rehabilitation journey. Every step of the rehabilitation process was guided by our unwavering commitment to providing the best possible care and ensuring the owl’s eventual return to the wild.”

LaPointe states, “Throughout its rehabilitation journey, the great horned owl demonstrated continued progress, gradually regaining its strength and vitality. Regular assessments and monitoring allowed the rehabilitation team to adjust the treatment plan accordingly, ensuring optimal outcomes for the owl’s health and well-being.”

As the great horned owl soars back into the embrace of nature, let us be reminded of the importance of preserving and protecting our natural world for future generations to cherish and enjoy.

Established in 1968, CROW is a teaching hospital that saves the sick, injured and orphaned native and migratory wildlife of Southwest Florida and beyond. Through state-of-the-art veterinary care, public education programs and an engaging visitor center, CROW works to improve the health of the environment, humans and animals through wildlife medicine. For more information or to plan your visit, see www.crowclinic.org .

PRWC’s mission is to contribute to the survival of native Florida wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation and education. PRWC admits more than 2,500 patients annually. If a bird or small mammal cannot be returned to its native habitat after treatment and recovery — but is otherwise healthy — it could become a permanent resident of the center. The center typically has nearly 100 permanent wildlife residents on educational display.

Peace River Wildlife Center education area and gift shop is located at 3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway, Punta Gorda, and is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

PRWC is open for rescue and rehab animal intake from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week at 223 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Punta Gorda.

For more information, see prwildlife.org . ¦

The post Rehabbed great horned owl released back into the wild first appeared on Charlotte County Florida Weekly .