ST. PAUL, Minn. — In a touching story from Minnesota, a woman who rescued two injured owls is facing heartbreak. One of the owls, a snowy owl, has sadly died due to severe injuries, while the other, a great gray owl, is still receiving medical treatment.
The Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Duluth shared the news on their Facebook page. They explained that the snowy owl had serious internal injuries, along with a broken wing and leg. After careful consideration, the center decided the best option for the owl was euthanasia, allowing it to pass peacefully.
The great gray owl also faced significant challenges. Rescued by Annabell Whelan, a 22-year-old zoo worker, this owl suffered broken bones and severe wounds to its wing. Fortunately, veterinarians at The Raptor Center in St. Paul are doing their utmost to help this bird recover.
Whelan discovered the great gray owl on the ground in Two Harbors, Minnesota. Recognizing it needed urgent help, she wrapped it in a blanket and transported it to Wildwoods. Later that day, while out with her boyfriend’s family in Duluth, she encountered another injured bird, the snowy owl, which had been struck by a car and was stuck in the vehicle’s grille. With Wildwoods already closed, Whelan took the snowy owl home for the night to keep it safe.
Both owls were eventually brought to The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota for further care. This story highlights the compassion of one individual and the ongoing efforts to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife in our communities.
