Barn owl caught in kite line 'very lucky' to be rescued

A wildlife rescue charity has called a barn owl "very lucky" after it was found ensnared to a tree by a kite line.

Secret World said the creature was caught by the tip of its wing by the string, which was wrapped around a tree in a garden in Bristol.

Following a few weeks of rehabilitation, the owl has been released back into the same garden.

"This rescue highlights the critical importance of removing litter, as it can have devastating impacts on wildlife," said a spokesperson for the charity.

A spokesperson added: "This was one very lucky Barn Owl."

The charity, based in Highbridge, Somerset, received a call about a barn owl tangled in a kite string in Bristol in October.

"Realising the urgency, we dispatched one of our response drivers to rescue the owl," said the spokesperson.

By the time they arrived, another rescuer had already taken the owl to a local veterinary practice and Secret World was asked to provide rehabilitation.

They explained the owl, which was given antibiotics, had swelling under both wings but no fractures.

"It also had a bruised cere (the fleshy area around its nostrils), but was able to fly and exhibit normal behaviours," said the spokesperson.

"After a few weeks of rehabilitation, allowing the swelling to subside and muscle strength to return, we were thrilled to release the owl back into the garden where it was found."

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