The BC SPCA on Vancouver Island is asking for the public’s help in caring for a rare owl that is recovering at the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre.
According to staff, the short-eared female owl was found by the side of the road with two severely broken bones in her left wing.
“Her injuries needed immediate surgical repair, as the bones needed to be pinned and stabilized in order for her to be able to fly again,” said assistant manager Heather Schmitt.
The feathered patient is expected to be in Wild ARC’s care for about eight weeks.
The bird will require further medical attention post-surgery, including medication, specialized staff care including hand-feeding and therapies to help rehabilitate the wing as well as flight testing before release.
Once the owl makes a full recovery she will be returned to the wild.
“We just want her to be able to fly again and hunt for her meals the way owls are supposed to,” Schmitt said.
The medical costs are estimated to come in at more than $4,000.
Wild ARC is the only wildlife rehabilitation centre on southern Vancouver Island. The facility treats almost 2,500 wild animals every year.
For more information on how you can help, visit spca.bc.ca/medicalemergency
