The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, rescued a juvenile great‑horned owl found with about a quarter of its body encased in dried concrete after apparently falling into a cement mixer. Staff used daily 20‑minute warm baths under anesthesia for six days to gradually remove the cement and protect the bird's feathers and skin. After showing improving strength—recently flying to a six‑foot perch—the owl will remain in care until after his next molt in spring or summer 2026, when staff hope to release him near where he was found.
Rescue Team Frees Juvenile Great‑Horned Owl Found Encased in Hardened Concrete
The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, rescued a juvenile great‑horned owl found with about a quarter of its body encased in dried concrete after apparently falling into a cement mixer. Staff used daily 20‑minute warm baths under anesthesia for six days to gradually remove the cement and protect the bird's feathers and skin. After showing improving strength—recently flying to a six‑foot perch—the owl will remain in care until after his next molt in spring or summer 2026, when staff hope to release him near where he was found.
08:47 AM, 11/20/2025Society
Juvenile owl rescued after falling into cement mixer
Rescuers at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, treated an extraordinary case this month when a juvenile great‑horned owl arrived at their Wild Friends rehabilitation center with roughly a quarter of its body encased in dried concrete. The bird, a young male estimated to have been born in 2025 and weighing about two pounds, had apparently fallen into a cement mixer before being found by local residents.
After an initial exam, staff realized this was an unprecedented situation for the sanctuary. "It was the first time Best Friends' staff had seen a case like this in its 40‑year history," said Bart Richwalski, Wild Friends supervisor. The team reached out to other wildlife rehabilitators and found no similar reported cases, so they developed a careful, minimally invasive plan.
Slow, careful treatment
The treatment relied on patience and controlled warming. For six consecutive days, the owl was placed under anesthesia and given a 20‑minute warm bath each day. Staff gradually softened and removed hardened concrete from the bird's face, chest and right wing, taking care to protect feathers and skin while monitoring the owl's condition.
"This was a brand‑new situation for the Wild Friends team, and they really stepped up to the plate to do their best for this owl," said Judah Battista, chief sanctuary officer for Best Friends Animal Society.
Staff reported encouraging progress. After the most intensive treatment phase, the owl was moved from an indoor soft‑sided carrier to an outdoor enclosure. Caregivers recently observed him fly up to a six‑foot perch, a hopeful sign that his strength and coordination are returning.
Next steps and release plan
The sanctuary plans to keep the owl in care through his next molt in spring or summer 2026. Once the bird has fully molted and demonstrated sustained flight and hunting ability, caregivers intend to release him into a nearby forested area close to where he was originally found.
This owl is one of roughly 1,600 animals currently receiving care at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the nation's largest no‑kill sanctuary and the headquarters of Best Friends Animal Society. The organization works with shelters and rescue groups across the United States to provide rehabilitation and second chances for animals in need.