Follow up on this story from earlier

From Raven Ridge Wildlife Center

In early May, we admitted a Great Horned Owl who had found herself in a perilous situation, trapped in a manure pit. Her rescue involved the collective effort of many compassionate individuals. Once she was freed from the pit, the farmer gently placed her on the ground and promptly contacted the Pennsylvania Game Commission. They reached out to one of our dedicated transporters, who bravely undertook the hour-and-a-half journey, overcoming the strong odor of manure, to bring her to our facility.

Upon arrival, our team donned isolation gowns, safety glasses, and masks, prepared for the challenging task ahead. It’s worth noting that Great Horned Owls understandably do not enjoy warm baths. After multiple rounds of careful washing and rinsing, she was finally allowed to rest in a warm incubator to begin her recovery.

Her rehabilitation journey was extensive, requiring time to heal from trauma, receive necessary antibiotics, and restore her feathers to their natural, pristine condition. To ensure her was fully prepared for life in the wild, she underwent thorough flight conditioning. However, the process was delayed by storms and severe flooding, as we wanted to guarantee several days of clear weather for her release.

Finally, we made the hour-and-a-half drive back to her home. As a seasoned adult, she was well-acquainted with her territory and surroundings, demonstrating a remarkable sense of familiarity. It was heartening to witness her reclaiming her rightful place in the wild. With unwavering dedication from our team, she was released back into the freedom she deserves, where she can thrive once again.