The team at Vida Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center celebrated the release of two young barn owls, both of whom came to us as nestlings, fragile and unable to survive on their own. One of the owlets was discovered by Marines stationed at MCAS Yuma, H&HS (Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron), who acted quickly to ensure the young owl received the care it needed. The second was found under similar circumstances too young to be on its own and with no reachable nest or parents nearby. In both cases, attempts to locate and access their original nests were unsuccessful, leaving these owlets in need of human help to survive.
For nearly three months, they were under the care of our dedicated staff and volunteers.
They were fed a diet appropriate for their age and species, given medical evaluations, and carefully raised with minimal human imprinting to ensure they maintained their wild instincts. As they grew, they were moved into our pre-release flight enclosure where they learned to fly, hunt, and develop the skills they would need to live independently in the wild. Once both owls passed their final assessments and a suitable, safe release site was identified, they were given a second chance at the life they were meant to live.
Watching them soar into the evening sky was a beautiful reminder of why we do this work. These barn owls now return to the desert nightscape they belong to, thanks to the community members who reported them, the servicemembers who cared enough to intervene, and the ongoing support that allows us to provide this life-saving care. At Vida Wildlife Rehabilitation, every release is a victory for the animals, for the environment, and for all of us who believe in protecting our native wildlife.