Rescued baby owl returns to the wild in Newcastle
The owl was removed from its territory because the area was considered 'dangerous'.
A roughly 12-week-old baby Spotted Eagle Owl has been reintegrated into the wild after being separated from its family.
A local businessman spotted the young owlet in an open field along Finnamore Street in Paradise around a month ago.
“I noticed the owl on the ground and spotted two dogs close by, sniffing it out,” said the businessman, who wished to remain anonymous.
He then decided to take the owl home, where he took care of it for a while, under the guidance and advice of the FreeMe Wildlife Rehabilitation team, before handing it over to them to complete its rehabilitation at their facility.
Watch as the owl is released back into the wild:
Rehabilitation before release
Josie Reilly of the FreeMe Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre said the only reason the owl had been removed from its territory in the first place was because the area was considered ‘dangerous’ at the time.
“Baby spotted owls are usually found on the ground and should be left alone if seen, unless they are injured or in danger. However, this chick was in a dangerous situation at the time and therefore it was advised that it be removed and rehabilitated until it was able to fly and fend for itself,” she said.
She continued that, “The owl has been returned to its original habitat in order for it to be reunited with its mom. We always try and make sure that they are put back where they are found so they can be with their family.”
“We believe that parents will always be the best at raising their babies. All we do is help them to the point where they are able to get away from danger, but in a way that Mom and Dad can still raise them the way they’re intended to.”
Reilly confirmed that the owl was fortunately not injured in any way, but needed a little time to learn to fly and fend for itself before being set free.
Reilly made the long trip from Howick to Newcastle this morning (October 21) to let the owl go back into the environment it was found in, where it will eventually reunite with its mother.
The businessman thanked Reilly for her and her team’s help and for ensuring that the owl was successfully released back into its natural environment, where the bird will hopefully thrive in the future.
FreeMe Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre can be contacted on 033 330 3036 or email them at admin@freemewildlife.org
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