A return to flight

PUNTA GORDA — A great horned owl, founded emaciated and distressed in a North Fort Myers backyard, was rehabilitated and returned to nature recently.

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, in collaboration with Peace River Wildlife Center out of Punta Gorda, worked together for the May 12 release in Cape Coral.

“Throughout its rehabilitation journey, the great horned owl demonstrated continued progress, gradually regaining its strength and vitality,” PRWC Executive Director Tricia LaPointe stated in a news release. “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.”

It had spent the better part of a month receiving care, according to the news release.

“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,” CROW staff veterinarian Dr. Robin Bast stated.

The owl received rest and care, then was transferred to PRWC “for additional care in one of their large outdoor enclosures,” the news release noted.

The rehabilitation enclosures of CROW are under construction.

“We are so blessed to have such amazing partners supporting us as we continue our recovery efforts since Hurricane Ian,” CROW Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey stated in the news release.

She said partners, like Peace River Wildlife Center are “an important role” in the rehabilitation journey of the owl and other of its patients.

“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,” Hussey said.