When rescuers found the Great Horned Owl, it seemed almost impossible that he would survive.
Half-buried in a manure pit, caked in filth, and too weak to move, the bird appeared doomed. But what shocked wildlife experts most wasn’t just his fragile state—it was the disturbing discovery that someone had deliberately shot him with a BB gun before leaving him to his fate.
In an inspiring turn of events, a Pennsylvania wildlife center has managed to restore the owl, now affectionately named Lucky, after a harrowing ordeal. The bird had spent two days trapped in the manure pit—dehydrated, frail, and encased in hardened waste that took multiple cleanings to remove.
Once taken to Raven Ridge Animal Center, Lucky was given urgent medical attention. Wildlife rehabilitator Tracie Young explained that the owl arrived in a subdued state, drained from his suffering. Along with exhaustion, veterinarians uncovered alarming damage: a steel BB embedded in his eye, evidence that the owl had been illegally shot prior to his entrapment.
Conclusion
Lucky’s survival is nothing short of a miracle. Despite neglect, cruelty, and the severe toll of his injuries, the owl’s recovery stands as a testament to both the resilience of wildlife and the unwavering dedication of those who fight to protect them. His story is a powerful reminder of the dangers animals face at human hands—and the hope that compassion and care can restore even the most broken creatures back to health.