A precious Powerful Owl is back thriving in the mountains after receiving specialised care at Healesville Sanctuary.
The owl was found injured on the roadside by a passer-by in Emerald, south-east of Melbourne, and transported by a Wildlife Victoria carer to Healesville Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre for care.
Healesville Sanctuary veterinary nurse Evie Tochterman said the owl’s injuries suggested it had suffered head trauma.
“One eye had a minor ulcer on the cornea, and it had blood around his mouth and nostrils. But it was otherwise bright and alert,” Ms Tochterman said.
“We provided pain relief and eye ointments to treat the ulcer, as well as basic supportive care, which included feeding and heating.”
Further examinations a week later showed that the eye ulcer had healed and the owl showed promising signs of rehabilitation. Once the Powerful Owl began eating on its own and passed a flight fitness test it returned to its wild home.
Healesville Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre treats approximately 2,000 wildlife patients each year, as well as caring for the resident animals at Healesville Sanctuary.
The hospital gallery space has recently been renovated and will be open to visitors at the end of August.
New features include a vet detective station, the chance to view blood samples and X-rays, a space for reflection following the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, peep holes to see footage of animals returning to the wild after being rehabilitated, a comfy podcast zone and Future Vets play zone.
Powerful Owls are considered Vulnerable in Victoria and listed as Threatened under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
Anyone who finds injured wildlife is encouraged to contact Wildlife Victoria.
