Injured UW Owl On Track For Full Recovery

SEATTLE, WA — A little barred owl that captured the hearts of Seattleites earlier this month is well on his way to recovery. The "UW Owl" turned heads on the university's campus after flying into a window near the Suzzallo and Allen Libraries on September 13th. The young owl suffered a fractured pelvis, shoulder bone and had damage to his left eye. A photo of the owl on the sidewalk, surrounded by caution tape, quickly spread across the internet.

Lynnwood-based PAWS answered the call for help and took the bird in at their wildlife center just shy of two weeks ago. Now, PAWS says, he could be ready for flight within two weeks. The next step in his recovery will be moving to a larger enclosure, called a raptor flight cage, where he can get his bearings, spread his wings and get some exercise. PAWS says the owl could be considered fully recovered by mid-October, but that is pending the outcome of his next vet checkup.

It is not certain if the UW Owl is a campus native, but PAWS says it is likely he was born somewhere nearby. Although they are not native to the Pacific Northwest, barred owls can be found in forests across Western Washington and along the Cascades. PAWS says his care, food and medicine will cost at least $800. PAWS takes in up to 60 owls per year and recently launched a fundraising effort to raise enough money to help care for all of them.