Full Breakdown
Burrowing Owls' Unlikely Cruise Adventure and Return to Florida
12/14/2025, 12:23:24 AM
Stowaway Journey on Royal Caribbean
In February 2025, two burrowing owls embarked on an unexpected journey aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, departing from Miami, Florida, for a transatlantic cruise to Cartagena, Spain. The owls, a threatened species in Florida, were likely spooked by the urban environment of Miami, leading them to board the cruise ship. They found refuge in the ship's Central Park area, which features over 12,000 plants, providing a semblance of their natural habitat. Crew members discovered the owls during the 14-day voyage, after passengers reported sightings of the birds in various areas of the ship, including the solarium and miniature golf course.
Quarantine and Repatriation Plans
Upon arrival in Spain, the owls were captured using nets and handed over to Spanish officials. They have since been quarantined at the CITES Wildlife Rescue Center in Murcia, where they are being prepared for their return to the United States, expected in mid-January 2026. Natalie Montero-McAllister, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Imperiled Species Policy Administrator, noted that the owls likely experienced confusion due to the ship's vast metal structures and the absence of their typical diet, which includes small reptiles and rodents.
The owls' return airfare will be funded by the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida, which expressed enthusiasm for facilitating the birds' safe transition back to their natural habitat. Montero-McAllister indicated that the owls would be released in an urban environment similar to where they originated, ensuring a familiar setting upon their return.
Previous Incidents and Wildlife Management
This is not the first instance of burrowing owls stowing away on a Royal Caribbean cruise. In 2023, a similar event occurred aboard the Symphony of the Seas, where a single burrowing owl was spotted by passengers. Wildlife authorities successfully captured that owl, which was later released back into the wild after a brief stay at the South Florida Wildlife Center.
Tindl Rainey, Director of Conservation at the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida, remarked on the owls' adventurous journey, stating, “They’re having quite the adventure, and we’re glad to help get them safely back to a burrow in Florida.” The organization is committed to ensuring the owls are fit for travel and undergo an assessment and re-assimilation period before their release.
Conclusion
The story of the burrowing owls highlights the intersection of wildlife and urban environments, raising questions about how animals adapt to human-dominated landscapes. As these owls prepare for their return to Florida, their journey serves as a reminder of the resilience of wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts in protecting threatened species.
