Having survived against all the odds, a group of five majestic tawny owls is set to take to the air again thanks to the work of several Burnham-On-Sea wildlife carers.
Secret World Wildlife Rescue in East Huntspill admitted two poorly and vulnerable tawny owls last month after they were both found to be unable to fly.
The birds, who were admitted separately, have now been placed with three other owls in preparation for their release.
The first owl, named Tiny Tawny Tim by charity staff, arrived after being found grounded in Sampford Arundel, Somerset.
Tim was soon joined by another tawny owl named Tiny Tawny Tom after it was found with torn claws in Yate, South Gloucestershire.
Both owls were put under the care of Marlies Hebdon, Senior Receptionist and Trained Orphan Rearer at Secret World Wildlife Rescue.
Marlies said: “We’re accustomed to rescuing and rehabilitating owls at Secret World. Since January, we’ve admitted 32 tawny owls. Each orphaned owl we rescue and rear costs us £500.”
“It’s a nice feeling to know that I’ve helped these birds in their journey back to the wild. Watching animals that I’ve hand-reared regaining their strength and eventually flying free makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
“This case is a huge achievement for our animal care team and volunteers. Animal care does not come cheap so these owls wouldn’t have survived without the donations from our supporters.”
Once the two birds were able to eat for themselves, Secret World specialists introduced them to three other tawny owls in a pre-release enclosure to continue their recovery.
One of the three birds included Otis – a tawny owl which was rescued by Secret World earlier this year after becoming matted with fly eggs.
The five birds were taken to Gloucester at the end of last month and placed into a soft release pen. When they are ready to be released, the doors will be opened and all five birds will fly away together.
Secret World Wildlife Rescue helps every poorly animal that comes through its doors with the aim of releasing it back into the wild. In the event of an animal emergency, call Secret World on 01278 783256.
