At Vida Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, every patient has a story, and the recent release of two great horned owls marks the end of a remarkable chapter in their journey back to the wild. Both owls came to us as young, downy nestlings, each under difficult circumstances that prevented them from returning to their original nests. One arrived from Somerton, AZ, after falling from a high tree. While he miraculously survived the fall, his sibling sadly did not. The nest, far beyond the reach of any safe access, could not be used to reunite him with his parents. The second owl was transported from Lake Havasu, AZ, after being found alone and vulnerable, with no trace of his nest or parents.
Over the course of several months, these owlets grew under our care. They progressed from dependent babies to powerful young raptors each stage carefully supported with proper nutrition, veterinary oversight, and species-specific enrichment. As they matured, they were moved to larger flight enclosures where they were conditioned to fly, hunt, and behave like wild owls. Their progress was closely monitored as they were tested on their ability to recognize, capture, and dispatch live prey critical skills for survival in the wild.
Only when we were confident in their readiness, and a safe and suitable habitat was located, were the two owls released back into the wild. Watching them fly off into the fading light was a bittersweet moment full of pride, awe, and hope. Their return to the wild is why we do this work. Every successful release is a victory not just for the animal, but for the wild spaces they return to and for the community that supports wildlife rehabilitation. These owls are home now.