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Concrete-Covered Owl Regains Flight After Unusual Rescue in Utah

Daily anesthetized baths with meticulous feather cleaning restored flight, clearing the way for release after the next molt.

Overview

  • Rescuers found the great horned owl at Black Desert Resort with dried concrete covering about a quarter of its body.
  • Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab led care that included 20‑minute daily baths under anesthesia and careful removal using forceps, toothbrushes and dish soap.
  • Within roughly two weeks the owl regained the ability to fly and is now recovering in an outdoor aviary.
  • Release will wait until a molt restores near‑silent flight, with staff estimating a timeline in spring or summer.
  • Caretakers believe the bird is a juvenile male and plan to release it to suitable habitat near the find site rather than at the construction area.