Ryedale Rehab centre helps tawny owl recuperate after an RSPCA operation to free the bird from a kitchen extractor fan

A Ryedale wildlife rehabilitation centre has played its part in saving a tawny owl that became stuck in a greasy kitchen extractor fan for two days.
The lucky tawny owl is dried off after its extractor fan ordeal. Photo: RSPCAThe lucky tawny owl is dried off after its extractor fan ordeal. Photo: RSPCA
The lucky tawny owl is dried off after its extractor fan ordeal. Photo: RSPCA

Animal rescue officer Leanne Honess-Heather was called to the Alhambra Court Hotel in York after the owner heard noises behind the fan.

She said: “When I arrived at the disused hotel the owl, which had tried to push her way out, was wedged tight between the fan blades in the extractor.

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“We suspect the bird had fallen down the large extractor and then, when trying to get out, became stuck.

The owl was wedged tight between the fan blades in the kitchen extractor. Photo: RSPCAThe owl was wedged tight between the fan blades in the kitchen extractor. Photo: RSPCA
The owl was wedged tight between the fan blades in the kitchen extractor. Photo: RSPCA

“The fan was sticky and covered in grease.”

Leanne then took the owl to Ryedale Rehab where staff cleaned the bird up and gave it critical care.

The lucky bird is on its way to full recovery and is expected to be released soon.

Leanne added: “The staff carefully washed the grease off of her feathers using Fairy Liquid to ensure no residue was left in her feathers.

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“The owl wasn’t too impressed by bathtime but, after towel drying her off and popping her in a warm cage to dry out, she looked and felt much better.

“She’ll now stay at Ryedale Rehab until she’s been given a clean bill of health and is ready to be released back to the wild where, hopefully, she’ll stay away from any kitchens!”

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