5 minute read –

Disclaimer: This post contains photos from the owl’s recent surgery, including images of needles, the removed talon, stitches being placed and a small amount of blood. 

The Story

On March 11, 2025, a great horned owl came into our care under less-than-ideal circumstances. She was found hunched over a dead chicken in a coop – weak, disheveled and clearly in need of help. Upon intake, our team discovered she had a previously broken wing, a severely damaged and infected left talon (an old injury), and was absolutely crawling with lice. It was clear she’d been fending for herself for a while, and it had taken a toll.

Our team immediately got to work: treating the infection in her talon, getting rid of the lice and monitoring her wing. While the infection proved stubborn, her talon showed no signs of recovery. After careful assessment, our animal care team and veterinarians made the difficult but necessary decision to amputate.

From Left to Right:
The owl when she first arrived
A closer look at the talon after a round of antibiotics
You can clearly see the size difference in the infected talon
Her old wing damage – this has long since healed and does not need further treatment

Surgery Day

On the evening of Thursday April 10th, she was brought into town by our Animal Care Manager Jan and Visitor Services Coordinator Britt. She underwent surgery at Alpine Veterinary Clinic under the skilled care of the Amber Antler Vet’s Cassandra and Julianna with Morgan assisting. After some deliberation about the best point of removal, the team carefully amputated the damaged talon, sealed and bandaged the area, and monitored her closely.

She was slow to wake from anesthesia, but once she did – still a little groggy – she was safely transported back to the Preserve by staff member Britt. In true owl fashion, the moment the kennel lid came off, she was alert and ready. She quickly flew to her perch, a sure sign that her fighting spirit remained intact.

By the next morning, she’d already removed her own bandage (classic owl), but thankfully, the incision was untouched and healing well.

Below are photos from her procedure:

Photos of the surgery by Britt Forsythe

Healing in Peace

For her continued recovery, we moved her into a quiet, outdoor flight pen in the back of the Animal Care building. While she had briefly spent time in our main aviary, it became clear she wasn’t a fan of the spotlight. Even with low visitor traffic, she showed signs of stress – so we listened. Her well-being comes first.

In the smaller flight pen, she’s been thriving – thanks to our dedicated animal care team Michael, Melissa and Jan. On Thursday, April 24th she finished her medication, had her stitches removed and she’s bright-eyed and alert.

This tells us – she’s ready!

The great horned owl back to herself in the flight pen.

Flying Free

We are incredibly happy to share that the Great Horned Owl in our care has been successfully released back into the wild!

Originally, her public release was scheduled for April 26th. However, during a pre-release veterinary check, our team identified some swelling near her incision site. Out of an abundance of caution and in the best interest of her recovery, we made the decision to postpone her release and monitor her a little longer.

May 1st, after a follow-up veterinary assessment confirmed the swelling had resolved, we acted quickly. In wildlife rehabilitation, there is always a delicate balance – keeping an animal in care long enough to fully recover, but not so long that it hinders their return to the wild. 

While we had originally planned to make this a public event, the well-being of the animal must always come first. She had been showing all the necessary signs that she was very ready to go and we didn’t want to prolong her stay unnecessarily. We are committed to doing what’s best for every wild patient that comes through our doors.

Mellissa, Jiawei and Britt released her near the Caribou platform just after 5pm on Thursday the 1st. After spending 51 days in our rehabilitation centre, she burst from her kennel and took off. We followed her and found her happily resting in a stand of aspen. Once she had acclimated, off she flew! It was so wonderful for us to see her spread her beautiful wings!

Thank you for your continued support of wildlife rehabilitation and the work we do here every day.

Taking flight for the first time in the wild after 51 days in rehabilitation.

She rested in a stand of Aspen while she took in her surroundings before taking off again, out of sight.

Every life we help comes with a cost — from medical care to daily support. Our recent work with the great horned owl is just one example of the specialized care wildlife need to get a second chance. 💛

Please consider donating to support our Wildlife Rehabilitation Program. Every dollar helps us continue this vital work. 🦉

Thank you for helping us help them.