Full Breakdown
Great Horned Owl Rescued from Concrete Mixer Soars Again After Imping Procedure
5/16/2026, 2:38:42 AM
Rescue and Initial Care
In late October, workers at a resort construction site in southwestern Utah found an adolescent great-horned owl trapped in a concrete mixer. They hosed the bird, wrapped it in a towel and delivered it to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab. Staff spent days removing concrete from its face, chest and right wing, then placed the owl in an aviary.
Imping Procedure and Rehabilitation
When the owl failed to molt, sanctuary veterinarians performed an imping procedure in early May 2026. Imping adheres donor feathers to existing shafts with adhesive. Using feathers from a deceased owl of similar size, technicians attached ten primary and one secondary feather to the right wing. The surgery under anesthesia was followed by decibel testing.
Release and Flight Test
After anesthesia, staff released the owl into an aviary and monitored its flight. Decibel readings showed the wingbeat was quiet for release. When the roof opened, the bird hovered, gained speed and flew out, confirming restored flight.
Official Statements & Responses
Sanctuary supervisor Bart Richwalski said the imping was nerve-wracking but went smoothly, and sound testing confirmed silent hunting. International Owl Center director Karla Bloem said imping, used by falconers for centuries, is reliable, though some grafted feathers may fall out.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The first few feathers were extremely nerve-wracking, but as we got into the groove, the imping became more comfortable, and everything went smoothly,” — Bart Richwalski, supervisor, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
- “It feels so, so good. I think my heart finally started beating again. The nervousness was starting to overtake the excitement, but once I saw him fly out that opening in the roof, it just was, it was a sight to see. It was so fun,” — Bart Richwalski, sanctuary supervisor
- “I've never heard of it not lasting, because you use some pretty good stuff when you're doing imping,” — Karla Bloem, executive director, International Owl Center
- “Find a territory ... you know, find one of the opposite sex and settle down and have kids.” — Karla Bloem, International Owl Center
Why It Matters / Impact
The rescue shows imping can restore silent flight to birds with severe feather damage, highlighting the role of specialized sanctuaries in wildlife rehabilitation and veterinary innovation.
What's Next
Sanctuary staff will monitor the owl through the summer as new feathers grow, track its establishment of a territory, and observe any breeding activity.
