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From South African Wildlife Rehab Center

Leanne Hezlett received a call from Adiolette du Bruyn, who had stumbled across a young Pearl-spotted owlet in Waverly, Pretoria. This, however, wasn't your standard "cute little fluffball in a tree" encounter... This featherweight had been found outside a shopping mall, lying spread eagled, legs up, looking like it had just tapped out in the first round.

At first glance, the little owl looked... well... gone. Lights out... but in reality, we suspect the owlet hit shopfront window, and the concussion had her looking like she'd just faced off against none other than Dricus du Plessis and, let's be honest, no one walks away from that looking glamorous.)

Adiolette, proving to be a true corner coach, scooped the tiny fighter up, kept her warm, and searched for a trustworthy "trainer" to step in. Every lead pointed to Leanne, and by the next morning, the Owlet was en route to her casualty ward.

Leanne wasted no time administering fluids ..(think of it as the owl version of rehydrating between rounds). By Monday evening, the little contender was back on her talons, staring down Leanne's tub of superworms like a champion eyeing up a title belt. One by one, the worms didn't stand a chance! The owlet demolished them with the efficiency of a middleweight on fight night.. precision strikes, no wasted energy, and zero mercy.

Over the week, the owlet has bounced back stronger than ever.. proof that sometimes even when you knocked down, you get right back up and fight again.

Soon she'll be transferred to the Owl Rescue Centre, where a whole "training camp" of Pearl-spotted owlets are waiting. Together, they'll be released back into the wild, a team of tiny feathered warriors ready for freedom and flight.

From "out cold" at the mall to full comeback story, this little champ might just be the Dricus du Plessis of the owl world!

Adiolette.. you're an absolute superstar!

Thank you for not handing this compromised life over to any of the unpermitted public who offered to take her! We are committed to ensuring this little soul gets the absolute best possible, and will not stay in a cage a minute longer than necessary!

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For owls that are superb.

Also visit our twinned community for wholesome content: https://lemmy.world/c/wholesome@reddthat.com

US Wild Animal Rescue Database: Animal Help Now

International Wildlife Rescues: RescueShelter.com

Australia Rescue Help: WIRES

Germany-Austria-Switzerland-Italy Wild Bird Rescue: wildvogelhilfe.org

If you find an injured owl:

Note your exact location so the owl can be released back where it came from. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation specialist to get correct advice and immediate assistance.

Minimize stress for the owl. If you can catch it, toss a towel or sweater over it and get it in a cardboard box or pet carrier. It should have room to be comfortable but not so much it can panic and injure itself. If you can’t catch it, keep people and animals away until help can come.

Do not give food or water! If you feed them the wrong thing or give them water improperly, you can accidentally kill them. It can also cause problems if they require anesthesia once help arrives, complicating procedures and costing valuable time.

If it is a baby owl, and it looks safe and uninjured, leave it be. Time on the ground is part of their growing up. They can fly to some extent and climb trees. If animals or people are nearby, put it up on a branch so it’s safe. If it’s injured, follow the above advice.

For more detailed help, see the OwlPages Rescue page.

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