Eurasian Eagle Owl Returns to the Wild After Being Rescued..

Eurasian Eagle Owl Returns to the Wild After Being Rescued & Rehabilitated In Beijing

The release of a nationally-protected Eurasian eagle owl highlights the collective conservation achievements of rescuers, rehabbers, and protection efforts across China. The owl is Beijing’s largest owl species and was released back into the wild at nightfall in a Beijing suburb.

The owl’s journey began on March 8, when it was admitted to IFAW’s Beijing Raptor Rescue Center (BRRC) after a dramatic rescue. According to Mr. Chen Jingming, who helped save the bird, the owl was discovered struggling in Houhai Lake, a well-known cultural landmark in Central Beijing.

“That morning, a large group of crows near the surface of Houhai Lake were attacking a large bird, forcing it into the water. Another citizen and I used a broom to rescue it and contacted the police,” said Mr. Chen.

Following the rescue, the owl was transferred to BRRC, where avian specialists performed a full range of diagnostic tests, including blood analysis, muscle condition checks, and injury assessments. These tests confirmed the owl had no fractures but was severely fatigued and in need of urgent care.

Over two weeks of intensive rehabilitation, the owl gradually regained its strength. Its blood values stabilized, muscle tone improved, and it began eating independently—key indicators that it was ready to return to the wild.

Raptors like the Eurasian eagle owl are apex predators and vital to ecological health, helping to regulate populations of rodents and other small animals. Data from BRRC shows that 26% of raptors admitted to the center suffer accidental injuries—often the result of building collisions or harsh weather during migration.

The successful rehabilitation and release of this eagle owl not only marks a win for one individual bird, but also underscores the importance of wildlife rescue centers, public awareness, and legal protections in conserving threatened species.

Saving wildlife is essential for preserving biodiversity, supporting healthy ecosystems, and ensuring a balanced natural world for future generations. Every rescued animal tells a bigger story—one of coexistence, responsibility, and hope.

 

Source: worldanimalnews