- November 23, 2024
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by: Amy Carotenuto
Flagler Humane Society
In a recent article we wrote about our Animal Services Division and the fact that our officers respond to calls involving all kinds of animals far beyond just dogs and cats. When Officer Ray Brown showed me this photo of a super cute young screech owl, I knew we had to tell its story and thank those who played a part in her journey to health and freedom.
On Mother’s Day morning, Diane Stumper was walking two of her dogs. As she approached a canal, she spotted what she first thought was a dead fish. As she looked closer, she saw movement and then two wide and pleading golden eyes made eye contact with her. It was a juvenile owl stranded and floating on its back. Who knows how long the poor little castaway had been drifting along?
Stumper called for her husband, Bill, who grabbed a long-handled pool brush and reached out into the water. The scared bird latched onto the pool brush and was pulled to safety. Once ashore, the little survivor became quite a stinker. Rather than showing appreciation to her heroes, she dished out some rather dirty looks.
Bill and Diane Stumper called our Animal Services Department and Ray Brown quickly responded. He transported the owl straight to Flagler Animal Hospital, where the doctors said that she was not injured or sick, just exhausted. Next stop: The Ark Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation out of St. Augustine, an all volunteer organization run by devoted, experienced caregivers who nurture everything from songbirds to possums. The volunteers at The Ark took the little screech owl under their wing (pun intended), and she has been thriving ever since.
Wildlife rehabbers are a devoted bunch. There’s no government funding, no fees collected for their services, certainly no glamour. What there are, however, are sleepless nights and personal money spent on supplies. Rehabbers end up being on call nearly 24 hours per day. They have to watch out for teeth and talons. The rewards come when they can successfully release a healthy animal back to its natural environment.
If you find orphaned or injured wildlife in areas that our Animal Services department covers, you can call us at 386-246-8612.
If you are outside of the area that we cover you can call The Ark directly at any of these numbers Karen – 904-679-1533, Mary – 678-523-3754 or Thaida 904-501-1049. Check out their Facebook page The Ark Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation. They are always looking for donations of cloth towels, paper towels, canned pate cat food and old T-shirts. After all of the little creatures they have helped us with I know I’m going to be saving them all of my old T-shirts.
Thank you to Flagler Animal Hospital for checking sick and injured animals of just about any species we can catch. Thank you to The Ark and all of the other wildlife rehabbers out there. Your furry and feathered customers may not always be able to show you their appreciation, but please know that we are grateful for every squirrel, baby bunny, mockingbird and more that you have saved.
