Owl found in concrete mixer flies again after dramatic rescue

By Michael Lee Simpson

An owl is flying again after falling into a concrete mixer.

Staff at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’s Wild Friends rehabilitation center say a bystander in St. George, Utah, discovered the owl with its face, chest and right wing completely encased in hardened concrete.

Sanctuary workers spent days cracking apart the concrete using forceps and cleaning its feathers using toothbrushes, dish soap and their fingers.

The bird has since regained strength and moved to an outdoor enclosure, but must stay in care until he molts enough to fly in the wild again

“We reached out to other wildlife rehabilitators and they had never heard of an owl falling into concrete before, either,” said Wild Friends supervisor for Best Friends Animal Society Bart Richwalski.

“After doing some research, our team quickly came up with a plan to help the owl in the least invasive way possible.”

That rescue plan required patience, precision, and a daily commitment to the bird’s comfort and safety.

Under anesthesia, the great horned owl received a 20-minute bath each day while staff painstakingly removed hardened concrete from his face, chest, and right wing.

Over time, the thick patches softened and lifted away, revealing healthier skin and feathers beneath.

Thankfully, the bird responded well to the treatment.

Two weeks later, he began flying again, prompting his move to an outdoor enclosure to continue healing.

“This was a brand-new situation for the Wild Friends team and they really stepped up to the plate to do their best for this owl,” said Best Friends Animal Society’s Chief Sanctuary Officer Judah Battista.

“Their innovative approach and compassionate care is such a beautiful testament to Best Friends’ belief that every animal deserves a second chance.”

Based on his size and features, Richwalski estimates the owl is a juvenile male born earlier this year. Initially, staff kept him indoors in a medium-sized soft carrier to make handling easier during treatments.

As the bird improved, he was moved to an outdoor enclosure — a significant milestone in his recovery.

Once outside, the owl began ascending to a six-foot perch, an encouraging sign that his strength and mobility were returning.

But full recovery will take months.

Because the concrete removal affected his feathers, the owl must remain in care until spring or summer, when molting will allow him to regain the silent flight critical for hunting.

Only then will he be ready for release into a wooded area near where he was found.

Richwalski said: “He still has a long road ahead of him, but he’s a fighter.”