OSU Vet Med and Payne County Audubon Society Release Owl

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

The Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Payne County Audubon Society recently released a rehabilitated barred owl.

“This adult barred owl, presumably a male, came to OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital after being entrapped in fishing line,” said Kelsea Studer, DVM, avian, exotics and zoo medicine intern. “He was very dehydrated and appeared dull and neurologic.”

OSU’s avian, exotics and zoo medicine team placed an IV catheter in the owl to administer fluids and pain medications. With time, the owl began to perk up and eat on his own.

“Earlier this month, we moved the owl to our flight cages where he has done very well,” said Studer. “He is eating on his own, having silent flight and has been able to appropriately fly around objects. Based on this, he was determined to be ready for release.”

Assisting Dr. Studer with the release was fourth-year veterinary student Isabel Freimuth.

OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital treats approximately 500 wildlife cases a year. If you are interested in supporting Oklahoma’s wildlife, please donate to the Wildlife Care Fund by contacting Ashley Hesser, assistant director of development with the OSU Foundation, at ahesser@osugiving.com or 405-385-0715.

MEDIA CONTACT: Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator | 405-744-6728 | taylor.bacon@okstate.edu