Barn Owls Freed from Apartment Netting in Dramatic Kochi Rescue Operation
In a heartening display of community and compassion, two barn owls that had been ensnared for several days in the safety netting within the beams of a residential apartment complex in Kakkanad, Kochi, have finally been liberated. The successful rescue mission was carried out on Sunday by dedicated volunteers from Daya, an animal welfare non-governmental organization based in Muvattupuzha.
Alert Residents and a Call for Help
The plight of the owls first came to light when residents of the apartment complex were alerted by their persistent and loud hooting sounds. "They likely attempted to fly upward, spotting a gap in the sky, and unfortunately became trapped in the netting," explained Ambili Puraykkal, one of the Daya volunteers who responded to the distress call along with Vishnu Viswanath.
Initially, the residents had contacted the forest department for assistance. However, according to the residents, when officials arrived, they merely offered advice and departed without taking direct action to free the birds.
A Perilous Climb and a Narrow Escape
Undeterred, Vishnu Viswanath took on the challenging task of rescuing the owls. He climbed a narrow parapet wall that stood approximately 20 feet high and was just wide enough for a single person to navigate. Using careful precision, he cut through the entangling nets to create an escape path.
Once the way was cleared, the first owl immediately seized the opportunity and flew to freedom. However, the second owl's flight was abruptly interrupted when it was attacked mid-air by a hawk. In a swift evasive maneuver, the owl clung to the wall of a nearby building to avoid further harm.
Final Rescue and Safe Release
The Daya team quickly sprang into action again, rescuing the second owl from its precarious perch on the building wall. To ensure its safety and well-being, the volunteers transported the owl to a forested area, where it was released back into its natural habitat.
This incident highlights the critical role that animal welfare organizations and vigilant citizens play in protecting urban wildlife. The efforts of Daya NGO and the concerned residents underscore the importance of prompt and compassionate intervention in such emergencies.
